Arsenal and Manchester United are set to go head to head in the race to sign Juventus goalkeeper Fabian Carini.

After impressing in the World Cup, Carini wants a moveaway from Juventus where he is currently third choice.

Having lost Richard Wright to Everton, Wenger was thought to be considering a one-year loan deal to bring the Uruguay keeper to Highbury. This would allow him to see the 22-year-old in action for a year before committing to a fee of around œ7 million for a permanent deal.

Now it appears that his old foe Ferguson has the same idea. Although United’s money-men have suggested there will be no more summer signings, the chance of bringing the player on loan might appeal.

Current first choice at Old Trafford is Fabien Barthez. The France international has only one year left on his current contract, and after a season littered with blunders is now rumoured to be on his way back to the continent.

Stealing Carini from under Wenger’s nose would give Ferguson the initiative in the battle between the two rival managers. In his favour could be the presence of Carini’s international team-mate Diego Forlan, who arrived at Old Trafford last season.

Earlier this week Wenger angered Ferguson when he suggested that United had spent œ10 million too much on record signing Rio Ferdinand.