Arsenal start talks to net Marcos

Brazil goalkeeper Marcos was today flying in to start negotiations with Arsenal.

The 29-year-old is to talk over personal terms, including a request for his family to join him in England, as well as a possible arrival date.

Marcos would be joining compatriots Edu and Gilberto Silva at Highbury if he agrees terms and passes a medical after his club, Palmeiras, agreed a fee estimated at £2.4m with Arsenal.

However, while doubts remain whether he would arrive shortly or in the summer, the Brazilian is still looking to ensure that the settling-in process is made as easy as possible.

“My demand is that they give me enough time to get my things together. I’m not brave enough to leave my family at home,” he was quoted by the Evening Standard as having said before he flew out of Brazil.

“Palmeiras gave me the green light to meet them. There are many things to be sorted out but it’s all agreed between the two clubs.”

Arsenal are looking to find a long-term replacement for David Seaman and it would certainly be ironic if the keeper at the other end of the pitch in Shizuoka when the England international was beaten by Ronaldinho should be his Arsenal successor.

However, Arsene Wenger must also ensure that he has adequate cover for the rest of this season, given that Rami Shaaban is ruled out with a broken leg.

He has therefore been deliberating whether to bring in a stop-gap keeper to offer back-up to Seaman and Stuart Taylor.

The introduction of transfer windows has served to concentrate Wenger’s mind as, after the end of this month, he would not be able to sign a replacement if Seaman sustained an injury.

Arsenal may therefore be seeking to persuade Marcos to join them initially as Seaman’s number two, possibly with a view to taking over next season.

Palmeiras spokesman Marco Trevison has revealed: “The goalkeeper wants to stay in Palmeiras until June to solve some personal things in Brazil, while Arsenal want him now.”

While Seaman, 39, may fight for his place next season or decide to step down and become the club’s goalkeeping coach, it is the immediate question of timing which is likely to be at the heart of the ongoing talks with Marcos.

These are set to continue tomorrow but the keeper is then scheduled to return to Brazil whether or not any final agreement has been reached.

Carlos Raimundo, another Palmeiras spokesman, added: “Everything will de decided in a meeting to be held with Arsenal.

“We are letting him travel to England to open talks but he must be back in Sao Paolo on Friday for training.”