Arsenal set to thwart Liverpool's move for Norberto Neto

Arsenal are preparing a shock move for Fiorentina goalkeeper Norberto Neto amid major uncertainty over Wojciech Szczesny's future at the Emirates, according to the Daily Mirror.

Szczesny's histrionics against Southampton at St Mary's where he handed the Saints three easy points with two individual errors, earned him a place on the bench and he has not been incorporated into the Arsenal line-up since.

The Pole followed up that act by smoking, which earned him a fine from Arsene Wenger and put his future in doubt, with David Ospina taking his place in the Arsenal first team at the moment.

Neto, who will be a free agent after the end of the season at Fiorentina, has confirmed that he is set to make his way out of the club and will consider offers in January.

"ACF Fiorentina must announce that goalkeeper Norberto Murara Neto today officially informed the club of his intention not to prolong his contract with the Viola. The decision is definitive. Neto was keen to make it known that his decision is entirely unrelated to financial motivations, with his desire to be free to decide his own future the sole reason behind his move," the club announced on Neto's future.

Liverpool are among a plethora of clubs fighting for his signature, with Juventus reportedly leading the line for the Brazilian.

Arsenal's arrival into the mix will make it harder for Brendan Rodgers to replace Simon Mignolet, with Wenger having already gotten the better of the former Swansea manager by signing Alexis Sanchez in the summer, fending off genuine interest from Merseyside.

The Gunners are also keeping an eye out for Petr Cech, who is set to leave Chelsea after being kept on the sidelines by Thibaut Courtois.

Szczesny's future is likely to hinge on whether he displaces Ospina for their fourth round FA Cup tie against Brighton, with Wenger generally willing to give his second keeper a chance in cup games, as he did with Lukasz Fabianski throughout the length of their FA Cup triumph last season.