The News of the World says the Gunners are lining up a £3.5million for the 32-year-old Irish international, who is fit again after being missing since February with stomach and hernia injuries.

Given, capped 86 times, fills the gap in experience left at the Emirates by the transfer of Jens Lehmann to Stuttgart and provide a stern challenge to Manuel Almunia to be No 1.

With Steve Harper on the books, Toon boss Kevin Keegan is not expected to stand in the way if Arsenal and the player can agree terms.