Manuel Almunia 'close to Arsenal exit' as Mark Schwarzer is offered player-coach job

Manuel Almunia's future as an Arsenal player looks in the balance after reports Arsene Wenger has offered Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer a player-coaching role with his squad.

(0) Manuel Almunia looks like being dropped as Arsenal's No.1... ...with Mark Schwarzer set to take over Wenger is desperate to sign Schwarzer, 37, to take over as his first-choice shot-stopper for next season - but had an initial approach turned down by the Cottagers last month.However, in a renewed bid to prize the Australian away from west London, the Frenchman is prepared to offer his target a dual role within his staff - regular first-team football as well as the chance to work alongside existing goalkeeping coach Gerry Peyton.

More: Arsenal transfer news and rumours Wenger's tireless pursuit of Schwarzer is already causing some unrest among his existing keepers - with Almunia already thought to be considering his options in light of the speculation.Given the ages of the other custodians on the Gunners' books - Lukasz Fabianski, 25; Vito Mannone, 22; and Wojciech Szczesny, 20 - they all see a future with the club.But 31-year-old Almunia is certain to seek first-team football elsewhere as he approaches the autumn of his career.

More: Fulham transfer news and rumours Almunia missed Arsenal's opening pre-season game against Barnet at the weekend, which Wenger attributed to 'illness'.However, sources close to the club suggest that - despite Almunia going on the team's pre-season training camp in Austria - he is edging closer to the door at the Emirates Stadium, and will leave if Schwarzer is brought in.

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