Stoke target Arsenal stopper with Begovic future in doubt

Stoke City could make a move for Arsenal goalkeeper Lukas Fabianski if Real Madrid come calling for Asmir Begovic.

According to various sources, La Liga giants Real are be targeting a summer move for the Bosnian international with doubts surrounding the futures of Diego Lopez and Iker Casillas.

Potters boss Mark Hughes has denied the story but is making plans for life without the 26-year-old by showing interest in Fabianski, who is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium this summer.

The Polish international, who has been with the Gunners since signing from Legia Warsaw in 2007, is set to leave the north London club in search of regular first-team football when his deal expires this summer.

He has made just 31 appearances for Arsene Wenger’s men and has been restricted to game time in the Capital One Cup and the FA Cup, albeit in a a starring role with Arsenal reaching the semi finals of the latter competition.

He also deputised for the suspended Wojciech Szczesny in Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Bayern Munich and Hughes is convinced the 28-year-old would be an ideal replacement for Begovic should he leave for the Bernabeu.

Celtic are also said to be interested in signing Fabianski with Neil Lennon uncertain he will be able to hold onto Fraser Forster for much longer but Basel, Sevilla and Schalke are all in the running for his signature.

Begovic will have to distance himself from all the speculation regarding his future if Stoke are to have a say in the title race when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

City are 11/1 to get a result in west London, while the Blues are heavy favourites at 2/9 to get their title bid back on track with the draw on at 5/1 with Ladbrokes.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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