Arsenal swoop for Dortmund keeper

Arsenal's search for a goalkeeper to replace David Seaman seems to be over with a deal set to be made for Borussia Dortmund stopper Jens Lehmann.

It is understood the Gunners, who have been linked with a possible bid for Valencia keeper Santiago Cainzares, have agreed a three-year contract for the 33-year-old Lehmann, although Dortmund are holding out for more money.

The website of German football magazine kicker reports that Arsenal may have to increase their bid of ?.7million with the Bundesliga club seeking a figure in the region of ?.5million.

'I heard about their offer today,' Lehmann said. 'I've received a phone call - but nothing is decided at the moment. You'll have to wait a few days.'

Dortmund manager Michael Meier admitted that they have spoken with Arsenal about a proposed move.

He said: 'The first negotiations took place yesterday, and the negotiations will continue. But there has not been an agreement yet.

'And we will only have an agreement if we come to terms on the financial side.'

Dortmund director of sport Michael Zorc expects the discussions to be completed one way or the other before the end of the week.

He said: 'They (Arsenal) have approached him before they have approached us. We expect a decision in the next few days.'

Lehmann spent 10 years at Schalke, the highlight of which was the 1997 UEFA Cup final win over Inter Milan on penalties, before an ill-fated move to AC Milan.

That lasted just six months and he returned to Germany when Dortmund came in for him, helping them to the Bundesliga title in 2002.

Lehmann, reportedly a target for Liverpool in the summer of 1999, has been sent off five times in Germany, the latest of which came in Monday night's 1-0 win over Stuttgart in the German league cup.

He saw red twice last season, including once for pushing team-mate Marcio Amoroso in the chest during a home match with Schalke, picking up a second yellow card in the 1-1 draw.

Close

Today's Top News		Top Sports News
+China's richest village: It takes brains and guts ( 2003-08-19) +Relief for indigent college students ( 2003-08-19) +Leaders meet Australian PM ( 2003-08-19) +New security official promises open mind ( 2003-08-19) +Government to rationalize auto sector ( 2003-08-19)		+Beckham is Collina's favourite player ( 2003-08-19) +The goal is unbelievable: Sun Jihai ( 2003-08-18) +Agassi, Clijsters top US Open seedings ( 2003-08-19) +Jamison goes from Warrior to Maverick in nine-man deal ( 2003-08-19) +I can handle the criticism, says Beckham ( 2003-08-19)