They say that the keeper has agreed personal terms with Arsenal and that all that remains is for the clubs to reach an understanding. This is said to be a formality because Shabaan's contract expires soon, but perhaps the fact that Arsenal only have days to make any signing will prompt the Swedish club to try to take us for all they can.

Shabaan is quoted as saying, "I don't know what to say".

Meanwhile, reports from Argentina say that San Lorenzo stopper Sebastien Saja has been talking to Arsenal too, and was at Highbury to watch the West Brom game last night. But they say he's more likely to join later in the season, so Shabaan looks like the front runner at this stage.

Previous Argie link Carlos Roa is joining Albacete in the Spanish second division.