Arsenal close in on Roa

Roa made the save to knock England out of France 98

Arsenal have made an offer for Argentine goalkeeper Carlos Roa, according to his agent.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has stepped up his search for back-up to David Seaman after loan target Fabien Carini decided against a move to Highbury.

Roa's agent, Alejandro Camano, said: "We have received an offer from Arsenal and we have spoken to Arsene Wenger who is very interested in acquiring Carlos Roa.

"He has been training with the club in London since Monday.

"The player would love to play for Arsenal. He has other alternatives but this is the best one.

"We are trying to sort some documentation as Roa is a non-European. On Friday we have to make a decision."

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Roa is best remembered in this country for helping bring an end to England's World Cup campaign in 1998, saving David Batty's penalty in the shoot-out against Argentina.

He also is a devout Seventh Day Adventist, and left former club Real Mallorca because of his religious beliefs, which led him to decide not to play on Sundays.

After more than a year away from the game, Roa - a vegetarian whose nickname is 'Lettuce' - decided to resume his football career and rejoined Mallorca in 2000.

However, he made only a handful of appearances and would be available for no fee.

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