Fulham Football Club

• Nickname:Cottagers
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Martin Jol

• Ground:Craven Cottage
• Capacity:26,600

Hughes eyes Schwarzer stay

13 Aug 2010 - 13:25:30

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Fulham boss Mark Hughes insists that goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is going nowhere, after the player made it known that he would to join Arsenal.

The 37-year-old Australia international is reported to be a top target for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who is keen to being in an experienced keeper to help out Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski.

However, Hughes told reporters: "From our point of view the situation has not changed. There was interest from Arsenal in May.

"Their bid was refused. We have not had any more bids and we wouldn't encourage any.

"Mark sees it as an opportunity with the current stage that he is at in his career. I can appreciate that, but he has to understand that we have to protect Fulham too.

"At the moment it wouldn't be right for Fulham football club.

"He is an outstanding goalkeeper. It's only when you work with players that you realise how good they are.

"It would be difficult to replace him. It's difficult to get the right quality into your football club. We have a top-class keeper in our squad and we would like to keep him."

Schwarzer had earlier said: "Who wouldn't be keen to go to Arsenal?

"At this stage in my career it's an amazing opportunity to play at that level and one I really want to take."