Udinese goalkeeper would love to join Gunners

Italian goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis has indicated he would probably jump at any offer to replace Arsenal veteran David Seaman.

The 26-year-old Udinese player has been named among several possible candidates for the number one job at Highbury when England’s World Cup keeper makes his exit.

The list also reportedly includes AC Milan’s second choice Christian Abbiati and Parma goalkeeper Sebastien Frey.

De Sanctis said: “I know that Arsenal have to replace Seaman and that my name has been linked with that of Abbiati and Frey.

“I would like to stay at Udinese but if Arsenal contacted me, how could I refuse?” he asked.

De Sanctis is contracted to Udinese until June 2005, but believes the Bianconeri club would let him go provided the offer was substantial.

“I think the club would allow me to leave if a good offer came along,” said De Sanctis, who joined Udinese in the 1999-2000 season after two years with Juventus.

Seaman has admitted the decision over the future of his career at Highbury is “out of my hands” as it depends on whether manager Arsene Wenger is determined to sign a replacement as first-choice keeper.

The Arsenal boss may be hoping Seaman will accept a position as goalkeeping coach, coupled with covering as a player if the need arises.

However, he faces a delicate balancing act as that could yet force Seaman, 39, to look elsewhere for a final season as first-choice.