20110401
Al Habsi: Wanted
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Skysports.com understands that Arsenal have joined the race to land Bolton’s Ali Al Habsi.
The Oman international is currently on a season-long loan with Wigan, where at times he has performed heroics for Roberto Martinez’s side.
His arrival has seen England international Chris Kirkland relegated from the No.1 spot at the DW Stadium, and his performances have been attracting attention from across Europe.
Bolton rate the 29-year-old very highly and would be loath to lose him, but they already have the excellent Jussi Jaaskelainen as their first choice.
Jaaskelainen’s omnipresence has limited Al Habsi to just 10 appearances for the Trotters since joining in 2006.
Al Habsi was allowed out on loan by Bolton earlier this season, as they also have highly-rated Hungarian Adam Bogdan, who has just been handed a new three-year deal.
And Bolton’s decision to seal Bogdan to a new contract has now further strengthened the rumours that Al Habsi could be sold this summer with the fee thought to be around £4million.
Like with Bolton, Al Habsi’s current side Wigan would love to keep him – but a number of Premier League sides are ready to do battle.
Along with Aston Villa and Liverpool, SPL giants Celtic have also been keeping tabs on him in recent months.
But skysports.com understands that Arsenal are now very much in the reckoning.
Al Habsi had a world-class game for Wigan at Arsenal in the 3-0 defeat in January when he produced a string of top-class saves.
Arsene Wenger has since been keeping a close check on Al Habsi’s progress and is now seriously considering making a move to add him to his goalkeeping ranks.
Al Habsi also benefits from becoming a British citizen later this year, which means he will no longer need a work permit and is hugely important when counting against Premier League and European quotas.
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Excerpt from:
Gunners join Al Habsi hunt