Russian club set to make Spanish goalkeeper huge offer.
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Arsenal look set to miss out on Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes after wealthy Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala joined the race for the player’s signature according to The Mirror.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer after growing impatient with current number one Wojciech Szczesny. The Polish youngster has made some high profile mistakes this season and Wenger is keen to bring in competition for Emirates number one spot.
Wenger had reportedly identified Valdes as one of his top priorities after the Barcelona man recently told his club he wished to leave in search of a new challenge.
He insisted he would not sign a new contract at the Nou Camp, leading to suggestions the club would look to move him on this summer rather than risk losing him for nothing at the end of next season.
The Gunners were reportedly confident of making Valdes a lucrative offer but they look set to be blown out of the water by Russian side Anzhi.
The club is currently owned by Suleyman Kerimov who has invested significant sums of money bringing the likes of Roberto Carlos, Samuel Eto’o and Lassana Diarra to the club.
Kerimov is set to tempt Valdes with wages of £160,000 a week for three years. Arsenal know they cannot match that but are still holding out hope they could tempt Valdes with Premier League football.