Arsenal are understood to be close to completing the signing of Brazilian World Cup goalkeeper Marcos.

The Palmeiras player arrived in London to discuss terms yesterday over a possible œ2.5m deal.

Arsenal have already agreed a transfer fee with Palmeiras, but while the keeper wants to delay his arrival until the summer, the north London club are believed to keen on Marcos moving immediately.

However, according to Marcos, a compromise could soon be reached. .

“It is possible that I will be here by the end of the month – there are many formalities to be sorted out first but I could be an Arsenal player this season,” Marcos told the Evening Standard.

“I will need time to adapt and obviously I will be better when I have pre-season training with Arsenal, but I am hopeful the transfer will be sorted out before I go back to Brazil on Wednesday night.

“I have to get international clearance and the financial details have to be agreed between me and with Palmeiras and Arsenal.

“But this will be a very exciting challenge for me. All the talks have gone wellso far and I am confident that an agreement can be reached.”