Arsenal close to capture of Lehmann

Jens Lehmann, the Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper, has confirmed that he is the subject of a bid from Arsenal. Dortmund said they are in talks with the Gunners about the German international, although nothing has yet been decided.

"I heard about their offer today," Lehmann said. "I've received a phone call - but nothing is decided at the moment. You'll have to wait a few days."

Dortmund's director of sport Michael Zorc expects the discussions to be completed one way or the other before the end of the week. He said: "They [Arsenal] have approached him before they have approached us. We expect a decision in the next few days."

Arsenal are in the market for a goalkeeper following the departure of veteran England international David Seaman to Manchester City. A deal until 2006 had been agreed between the player and the London side, although Borussia are holding out for more money than they have so far been offered. Dortmund are said to want £2.5m while Arsenal will reportedly not bid more than £1.75m.

The 33-year-old has played 129 matches for Dortmund where he is contracted until 2004. Lehmann spent 10 years at Schalke, the highlight of which was the 1997 Uefa Cup final win over Internazionale, before an ill-fated move to Milan. He returned to Germany six months later when Dortmund came in for him, helping them to the Bundesliga title in 2002.

Lehmann has been sent off five times in Germany, the latest of which came in Monday night's 1-0 win over Stuttgart in the German league cup.