Arsenal are preparing an approach for Palermo stopper Emiliano Viviano, according to talkSPORT. The Italian international spent last season on loan with Fiorentina and was their first choice keeper, making 32 Serie A starts.

Emiliano Viviano
Reuters

The 27-year-old returned to Palermo after finishing his loan spell. Palermo were relegated to Serie B after finishing 18th in the table. The report claims Viviano is looking for a move away from his employers as he is not keen on featuring in the lower division.

Arsene Wenger has Wojciech Szczesny as the first choice keeper at the Emirates. The Pole's performance for the Gunners has come under serious criticism, which has forced Arsene Wenger to find alternatives in goal.

The Frenchman was interested in signing Viviano in 2011, while the player was with Bologna. Wenger could make a move in the final days of the transfer window as he looks to strengthen his side's defence.

The north London club were also interested in signing Queens Park Rangers' Julio Cesar. However, Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari revealed that the former Inter Milan man will not leave Loftus Park and will continue with the Championship side.

Arsenal's approach in signing Viviano has been further encouraged after Palermo director Giorgio Perinetti confirmed that an English outfit is keen on the Italian's signature. He would not give the name of the club and is still uncertain whether the deal will materialise in the coming days.

"There is an English path that exists for Viviano. However, it all still needs to be verified. We will see over the next few days whether the transfer will be possible or not," Perinetti said.

Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs claims the Emirates club have not yet sealed the Champions League qualifier, despite having a 3-0 advantage over Fenerbahce.

"It's still not over because we've got another tie. We have to stay focused because you think we're in a strong position but we now have to think about how we go into the next leg. We have to go in on all cylinders again, otherwise if we sit back and think that we're already through it can put us on the back foot, and we don't want that," Gibbs told www.arsenal.com.

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