Schwarzer wants Arsenal move

Mark Schwarzer has pleaded with Fulham to let him move to Arsenal before the end of the current transfer window. He is desperate to play for the Gunners who have already had a £2 million bid for his services rejected.

The goalkeeper turns 38 next month, so will see the deal as the last chance of a big move in his career.

Arsene Wenger is certainly keen to secure his signature, after failing to be convinced by Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski in the last couple of campaigns.

Schwarzer is seen by Wenger as a reliable keeper who can help the Gunners in their quest for trophies. He has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League over the last few years and would be exactly the type of keeper Arsenal are after. On Betfair Football Andy Gray has made the side his tips for the title and a new stopper would boost their chances no end.

The player has made it known of his intentions too and this could speed things along somewhat. Schwarzer said: "I need it to happen. Who wouldn't be keen to go to Arsenal? At this stage in my career it's an amazing opportunity to play at that level and one I really want to take." Nothing is final yet of course and the Australian added that "only time will tell whether that happens or not". The key could be whether Fulham are able to find a replacement for him in the next couple of weeks.

Arsenal clearly want the player and he clearly wants to move to the Emirates, it is just Fulham and Mark Hughes that are holding off at the moment. They will know that it isn't worth holding onto a player that wants to leave though.

So, as long as they can secure an adequate replacement, Schwarzer may well be an Arsenal player before too long.

Meanwhile, the Newcastle betting suggests the side will struggle to remain in the Premier League this season.

Arsenal don't face the north-east club until November, but Arsene Wenger will be expecting to take three points from the match.