Bundesliga side Stuttgart are close to agreeing
a deal to take Jens Lehmann back to his homeland.
The Germany international is set to end a five-year stay at
Arsenal this summer when his contract expires and he is released as
a free agent.
Stuttgart have led the race for his signature since it became
apparent that he would not be offered a new contract at Emirates
Stadium, and are believed to have now put an offer on the
table.
Club chairman Erwin Staudt admits that the Reds cannot afford to
match the wages Lehmann enjoyed in England, but is confident that
the veteran shot-stopper will be on his way to
Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion in the near future.
"This will hopefully be made concrete in the next few days,"
said Staudt.
"It is not a straightforward conversation, there are options to
be discussed."
The 2007 Bundesliga champions are believed to have offered
Lehmann two-thirds of his current salary with the Gunners, on a
one-year deal which includes the option for an extension.