Marcos poised to join Gunners

Brazil goalkeeper Marcos is poised to agree terms with Arsenal on a deal that could spell the end of David Seaman’s top-flight career – and has insisted the England player was blameless for his World Cup mishap.

Marcos, who has passed a medical, is finalising personal terms on a proposed four-and-a-half-year contract after his club Palmeiras agreed a transfer fee estimated at £2.4m (€3.62m).

Arsenal want the 29-year-old to join them as soon as possible given that the transfer window closes at the end of the month and they need experienced back-up for Seaman as Rami Shaaban has a broken leg.

That is still possible, with Marcos indicating he could yet become an Arsenal player this season once he has resolved some issues in Brazil.

“It is possible that I will be here by the end of the month. There are many formalities to be sorted out first but I could be an Arsenal player this season,” he revealed.

“I will need time to adapt and obviously I will be better when I have pre-season training with Arsenal. But this is a very exciting challenge for me as Arsenal are close to being the best team in the world.”

That would also enable Marcos to settle into life in London helped by compatriots Edu and Gilberto Silva, putting him in prime position to take over as Arsenal’s number one next season.

Seaman, who has vowed never to play in the lower divisions, would have to decide whether to fight for his place or retire just before his 40th birthday and become the club’s goalkeeping coach.

Given that Marcos was in goal when Seaman suffered one of the lowest points of his career in the World Cup quarter-finals last summer, the identity of his likely successor could not be more ironic.

Marcos nevertheless told the Evening Standard: “It was not David Seaman’s fault that England lost. I’m certain Ronaldinho crossed the ball for that goal.

“I didn’t shake hands with David afterwards but that was because I wanted to leave him alone. I looked for him but he was with the rest of his team and looked very upset. I thought it best just to let him stay with them.”

Given that, like Nigel Martyn, Seaman would lose his England place if he was replaced at club level, his chances of playing at the Euro 2004 finals are now fading fast.

Marcos is relishing the prospect of making his mark at Arsenal, revealing his belief that Sir Alex Ferguson and Kevin Keegan had also been interested in signing him.

“I heard Manchester City, Manchester United and Deportivo La Coruna wanted me, but the only offer to Palmeiras came from Arsenal,” he declared.

“If everything is agreed, I am looking forward to playing in England and especially for Arsenal.

“It is a big challenge and a big change in my life with a new country, a new language and a new style of football. But it’s a pleasure to come to Arsenal as they are such a big club.”

Marcos, who is single, wants his brother to come to England to help him settle in, although he can also rely on the friendship of compatriots Edu and Gilberto Silva, who had dinner with him last night.

“That will certainly make it easier for me because when another Brazilian, Silvinho, was at Arsenal he was on his own,” he added.

“It is easier for me with Edu and Gilberto at the club. I have never played with Edu, just against him. But where Gilberto is concerned, I can tell you it is much better to be on his side than lining up in the opposition.”

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger tonight claimed talk of a completed deal is premature and insisted the club have other options if it does not go through.

He told www.arsenal.com: “We haven’t signed anyone and haven’t signed Marcos. All news of signings is premature.

“There are talks and Marcos is one of the players we are interested in, but it is much too early. The decision has not been made and negotiations haven’t really started.”