Transfer news – Arsenal court Italy keeper Marchetti
Published:Arsenal have identified Italy’s World Cup goalkeeper Federico Marchetti as the man to solve their goalkeeping problems.
The Cagliari player has requested a transfer and he is valued at £5.5m by his club, who seem willing to do business.
“The only club pushing for his signature is Arsenal,” a Cagliari spokesperson said. “And we will do everything to make him happy.”
Arsenal, who are 6/1 to win the Premier League this season, had been linked with Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, though interest in the Australian has cooled at the Emirates.
Wenger, however, seems certain to sign at least one goalkeeper following a season of erratic performances from his current choices Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski.
Arsenal are 16/1 to win the Champions League, but if they are to win their first trophy since 2005 this season, the Gunners will need to seriously bolster their defensive options.
With William Gallas, Philippe Senderos and Sol Campbell all gone – and Mikael Silvestre also on the way out – Arsenal are left with just three central defenders in their squad.
Germany and Werder Bremen centre-back Per Mertesacker is reportedly a target for the north London club, and the 6ft 6in giant would cost around £10m.
Ajax’s Jan Vertonghen and Dynamo Kyiv’s Pape Diakhaté are also believed to be on Wenger’s shortlist, while Phil Jagielka remains a possibility.
How successful could Arsenal be this season? They are 33/1 to win the Premier League and FA Cup double. See the full Arsenal Specials market.
