Shay Given will end his Manchester City frustration by joining up with former manager Mark Hughes at Fulham, which will allow their No 1 Mark Schwarzer to sign for Arsenal.
City are reluctantly prepared to let the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper leave before deadline day on Tuesday even though they have made it clear they would like him to stay and provide competition for Joe Hart
Given, disappointed to lose the jersey to Hart, has made it clear he wants regular first-team football.
Hughes said after Fulham’s 2-2 draw against Blackpool: ‘Mark Schwarzer has made it clear that he would like to go to Arsenal so we are trying to look at other options.
I’m always interested in quality players and Shay Given is a quality player. Make of that what you will. ‘But I have said that if we can’t get anyone else in, Schwarzer will have to stay.’
Given’s arrival at Craven Cottage will also delight Wenger, who regards Schwarzer as a solution to his long standing goalkeeping problem.