Arsenal fail in last ditch bid for Stekelenburg

Arsenal have failed with a last ditch attempt to hijack Roma's deal for Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, sources in Holland have confirmed.

The 28-year-old had been holding talks with the Italian outfit over a £7million switch, but Arsenal stepped in and made their move on Monday, only for the Dutch international to rebuff their advances.

The Gunners are said to be looking for competition for Polish 'keepers Wojciech Szcz?sny and ?ukasz Fabia?ski, with Jens Lehmann being released and youngster Vito Mannone interesting a number of Championship clubs.

However, despite contacting Stekelenburg's representatives, Arsenal failed to convince the player to break off his verbal agreement to join Roma.

He is expected to complete the move to the Stadio Olimpico early next week.