Schwarzer to coach and play at Arsenal
Mark Schwarzer has expressed enthusiasm about joining Arsenal before the current transfer window shuts. The club is said to be interested in Schwarzer's services both as a keeper and as a coach.
After lapses in Arsenal's defensive line and crucial mistakes by keepers Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski destroyed the club's title hopes last season, manager Arsene Wenger is scouting the market for a reliable and experienced keeper.
Reports claim Wenger is ready to up his offer for Fulham's 37-year-old to £4million, and Schwarzer himself hopes his manager Mark Hughes will accept the offer.
"I've had a couple of chats with Mark [Hughes]," he told the Australian Daily Telegraph. "It's delicately poised."
Player and coach?
Arsenal are said to be interested in recruiting Schwarzer both as the club's first-choice keeper and as goalkeeping coach.
Schwarzer would coach the club's keepers either alongside or instead of current goalkeeping coach Gerry Peyton. Schwarzer expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of moving across London.
"Who wouldn't be keen to go to Arsenal? At this stage in my career it's an amazing opportunity to play at that level and one I really want to take," Schwarzer added.
Peyton, who has been with Arsenal for seven years, could be on his way out. Last season, a hip injury kept him from training with the club's keepers and former Arsenal keeper Mart Poom took over many of Peyton's responsibilities.
But Schwarzer, who played an important part as Fulham reached the Europa League final last season, will be looking to contribute on the pitch rather than off it for the time being.
"It's taken a long time and the season's very close," Schwarzer said about the deal, which has been in the making throughout the summer.
"On one hand you understand them not wanting to disrupt too many things but I want things resolved as quickly as possible."
Fulham begin their Premier League season on Saturday against Bolton. If no deal has been reached by then, Schwarzer will feature for the West Londoners, fitness permitting.
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