Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal all summer and now his agent has revealed the north London side remain a “concrete option” after talks with Napoli collapsed.
The Gunners have just two senior goalkeepers on their books – Szczęsny and Fabiański, with the latter in his final year of his contract. Arsene Wenger has since been tipped to enter the market for another ‘keeper to battle the Polish duo.
The QPR goalkeeper is set to leave the London club after their Premier League relegation and seemed close to sealing a move to Napoli this week. But it appears his high wages are an issue for the Italian outfit and he could yet remain in England with Arsenal still an option for the Confederations Cup winner.
His agent Josias Cardoso told Calciomercato.it:
In Italy recently I have only spoken to Napoli.
President Aurelio De Laurentiis wanted him, but didn’t want to pay Julio’s current wages. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and after a great Confederations Cup performance he showed his desire to come back to Italy by demanding nothing more.
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It would’ve been normal for someone in his position to ask for a pay rise, but he didn’t. Is there still hope of seeing him in Italy? If I don’t have official contact with a club, then I cannot have hope.
I recently have not had contact with Milan or Roma. Arsenal remain a concrete option.
While Cesar is an excellent goalkeeper I find it difficult to see Wenger splashing out high wages on the 33-year-old when he has both of the Polish internationals at his dispense while youngster Martinez is also waiting in the wings.
Vito Mannone’s recent exit suggested there could be room for one more, however it just seems an unlikely move from Wenger. Quite pessimistic aren’t I? Well you can blame the Frenchman for that after his years of prudence in the market.
So do we actually need Cesar? I tend to think yes, his experience at both club and international level would prove very useful in the changing room and he could also provide mentorship to the younger goalkeepers such as Szczęsny. Competition is always positive, and that’s exactly what the Brazilian would bring to the squad.
What are your thoughts Gooners? Do you feel we need another goalkeeper, someone who can mentor and battle the Polish duo? Comment below..
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