Schwarzer hands in transfer request: Desperate for Arsenal move

13 August 2010 23:30

Mark Schwarzer has attempted to force through a move to Arsenal by handing in a transfer request, Fulham manager Mark Hughes has revealed.

Schwarzer's impressive performances between the posts for the Cottagers throughout last season brought him to the attention of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who had a £2million bid for the Australian rejected in May. Schwarzer is keen for a taste of Champions League football before the end of his career, which has led him to hand in the request.

"My understanding is that he has handed in a transfer request," said Hughes.

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"He has indicated that he would like the opportunity to leave. Obviously we haven't encouraged Arsenal to come back to the table because they haven't been back since May.

"If they do come back and talk to me or my chief executive, then further conversations will be had but at the moment there is no point because we are not talking to anybody because they have not come back to us."

Hughes warned Schwarzer that he would not necessarily be guaranteed first-team football at Arsenal and even admitted that he would be willing to offer the Australian an extension to his current contract, which expires next summer, in order to persuade the star to stay.

"Sometimes it is not always greener on the other side," Hughes said.

"I understand that at certain times of their careers players feel that when an opportunity presents itself, they feel they have to consider it very carefully.

"I think that is the case with Mark so I fully understand where he is coming from in that respect."

Source: PA