Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is considering an application for a British passport and would not rule out playing for England one day.

The Spaniard joined the Gunners from Celta Vigo during July 2004, and so under residency laws would soon be eligible to apply to become a naturalised British citizen.

Despite being a regular in the Champions League - and indeed playing in the 2006 final against Barcelona when Jens Lehmann was sent off - Almunia has, so far, not been called up to the Spain team.

Former England keepers Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence have voiced concerns about the possibility of Almunia, who turns 32 later this year, eventually replacing David James as the England number one.

While any application is not about to be processed imminently, there remains genuine possibility Almunia would be available for selection to England coach Fabio Capello - or indeed any of the other home nations - in time for the build-up to the 2010 World Cup.

"People are asking this question now because I have been in England for five years and am able to apply for a passport," Almunia said in a webchat with www.arsenal.com, sponsored by EA Sports.

"I am taking in the information, what I need to do for a passport.

"In think, for January next year, maybe I can have the permission.

"Maybe I will get a passport, then after, if I get the call-up [from England], I will think about this."

Almunia is one of the only first-team Arsenal regulars not away on international duty this week.

When the Gunners return from the break - with captain Cesc Fabregas expected to be fit following more than three months out with a knee problem - the squad will be preparing for the defining period of their campaign.

Villarreal await in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, while April also brings the small matter of an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.

Almunia is looking forward to trip to his homeland - and feels the Gunners must look to silence what is set to be a fiesta at the compact Estadio El Madrigal if they are to progress to a potential clash with defending European champions Manchester United in the last four.

"For them, it is a big party to be in the quarter-finals of the Champions League," said Almunia, who watched from the bench as a dramatic late penalty save by Lehmann saw Arsenal through to the 2006 Champions League final at the expense of the Yellow Submarine.

"It is quite a small town, and also a small stadium, but the people there are brave and their supporters give everything."

Defender Gael Clichy is one of five Gunners in the France squad preparing for the World Cup qualifier double header against Lithuania.

The full-back, signed from Cannes in 2003, is a consistent performer in the Arsenal team, and has played down speculation linking him with a move away from the Emirates Stadium in the summer.

"AC Milan are an absolutely huge club. It is heartening to know that you are followed by such a team, but I am very happy at Arsenal," he said.