Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Júlio César according to several media outlets around the world. The 33 year-old will this week return home from a successful Confederations Cup which his national team won last night. The stopper also secured the ‘golden glove’ award, labeling him as the best keeper in the competition.
César was interviewed last night after his sides 3-0 win over Spain – he told reporters: “Now I have to do things right at my club so I can be considered for the World Cup.”
He was then asked about whether he enjoys London: “Yes, me too. I love the city and I’m enjoying living there.” A quote which leads many to believe a move to Arsenal is a forgone conclusion, if Arsene Wenger wants him.
César has been linked with Arsenal since May, but any details about his future were expected to be resolved after this summers tournament was concluded. There is thought to be strong interest from both AC Milan and Roma, but Tancredi Palermi tweeted this morning that people close to Roma believe the player will play for Arsenal next season.
If he does sign Júlio César would likely be given an extended break before joining Arsenal training, the same as Nacho Monreal and Santi Cazorla will receive for playing in the Confederations Cup.
Agent Jodias Cardoso spoke out on his clients future in May: ‘I’m coming to Europe to talk to Julio about the future,’ said Cardoso.
‘He is looking for a new team with potential. Going back to Brazil? I don’t think so – I see him having a future in Europe.’
AC Milan and Arsenal are mooted as the Brazilians most likely destination. The 33 year-old is valued at around £4million by Harry Redknapp, but a bid in the region of £2million is likely to be accepted. Julio spoke out in November 2012 about how he turned down Arsenal at the last minute, and instead moved to the now relegated QPR.
‘I talked with Arsenal in the last transfer window, and they were really happy about me playing for them, but at the last minute I moved to QPR,’ he told the Sunday People.
Cesar signed a four-year deal at QPR after spending seven years in Italy and said the proposal from the R’s was more attractive than the offer from Arsenal.
‘QPR has a project, and I dream about that project coming true,’ he said.
‘But I came here because I was thinking about my future once I quit football, that’s true.
‘The fact that I can speak Portuguese, Italian and now English will give me opportunities in the future to be a director once I quit football. Even at QPR I could work as a director.’
Photo via Crystian Cruz