ARSENAL lead the race to sign QPR keeper Julio Cesar after his move to Napoli hit the skids.

The Italian outfit were favourites to land the Brazilian, but have failed to meet his wage demands.

Rangers boss Harry Redknapp also made it plain they are only interested in a permanent deal for the 33-year-old, while Napoli only wanted a loan.

However, the player's agent, Josias Cardoso, has revealed Cesar may stay in England after Arsenal reignited their interest.

He said: “Arsenal remain a concrete option. In Italy recently I have only spoken to Napoli. President Aurelio De Laurentiis wanted him but didn’t want to pay Julio’s current wages.

“He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and after a great Confederations Cup performance he showed his desire to come back to Italy by demanding nothing more.

“It would’ve been normal for someone in his position to ask for a pay rise but he didn’t. Is there still hope of seeing him in Italy? If I don’t have official contact with a club, then I cannot have hope.”

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