Arsenal may be on the verge of signing Cagliari goalkeeper Federico Marchetti as the Premier League club considers a £5.5 million move for the Italian international.

According to the Sun, Cagliari president Massimo Cellino has indicated that the player wishes to leave the club and that the Gunners have been the only ones to show interest.

“Marchetti has expressed his desire to leave.” Cellino said.

“The only real club pushing for his signature is Arsenal and we will do everything to make him happy.”

Marchetti was also quick to sell his best attributes to the Premier League club: “My characteristics are based on strength but courage and understanding of your abilities are the basis for success.”

Recent reports have linked Arsenal with a host of goalkeepers including Fulham’s Mark Schwarzer, CSKA Moscow’s Igor Akinfeev and Ajax’s Maarten Stekelenburg, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger having had a £2 million player-coach offer for Schwarzer turned down by their Premier League rivals. The Frenchman is desperate to sign a solid replacement for first choice Manuel Almunia after having lost faith in the Spanish shot stopper, who appears to be on his way to Osasuna.

However, Almunia enjoyed a start in Arsenal’s pre-season win over SC Neusiedl last night before being replaced by Vito Mannone in the second half.

Wenger continued to insist that no deal was forthcoming with Barcelona for captain Cesc Fabregas and was clearly not in a mood to entertain the Spanish giants.

“There are still noises from Barcelona – but that is all it is.” said Wenger.

“In our job you don’t worry about things you cannot control.

“We are very happy with Cesc at the club. He is a very important and is our captain. We have worked very hard with him.”

Tags: Arsenal, Barcelona, Cagliari, Cesc Fabregas, English Premier League, Federico Marchetti, La Liga, Serie A, transfer news