Arsenal Close To Losing Out In Pursuit of Brazilian Star

Napoli are closing in on Arsenal target Julio Cesar after the goalkeeper's agent admitted that talks are at an advanced stage as the sides mull over the details of a deal for the Brazilian to leave Queens Park Rangers.

Cesar was a standout performer for Rangers last season and the Brazil international is planning on leaving the club after they suffered from a particularly disappointing campaign which led to relegation and dressing room problems.

"Julio César will move on. He's a top class goalkeeper. He won't want to play in the Championship, he's a goalkeeper for a big club," Redkapp said of the star at the end of the season.

And while he was considering a move to Arsenal, his agent Josias Cardoso has confirmed that it is likely that in the coming days his client will become a Napoli player.

"It's not all done yet, there are many possibilities [he goes to Napoli], but there are some details to be resolved between the player and Napoli," Cardoso told calciomercato.it.

"When will the signature arrive? I don't know, it could be today, or in a few days.

"The Villarreal interest? There has been some interest from Spain, but nothing concrete.The only two concrete tracks are Arsenal and Napoli."

Over the weekend Marca were reporting that Villereal had joined Arsenal in their pursuit of the vastly experienced Brazil international, with a five-way battle ensuing for the keeper which included Roma and Barcelona as well as the Gunners and Napoli.

The comments from Cardoso are the biggest sign yet that Wenger is on the lookout for a new keeper, as the manager considers bringing in more competition for Wojciech Szczesny next season.

Szczesny was particularly inconsistent in front of goal last season, leaving Wenger frustrated as Arsenal's defensive line-up took their time to find their feet during the Premier League season and giving Tottenham a huge chance at stealing their Champions League spot in the process.