Arsene Wenger is under pressure to open formal talks with Jens Lehmann over a new contract after Stuttgart emerged as favourites to sign the Arsenal keeper.
Jens has been courting offers from clubs in his home country since January 1.
Although Wenger has already stated a desire to keep the 37-year-old, it is understood that he is prepared to replace him with Manuel Almunia next season if Lehmann decides to leave after four years.
Almunia’s form in this season’s Carling Cup has convinced Wenger that he is capable of becoming the club’s No 1.
Lehmann’s contract expires at the end of the season but Wenger is refusing to bow to his demands for a two-year extension. Wenger’s policy for players over the age of 30 is to offer only a 12-month deal.
Wenger is already lining up a new keeper — CSKA Moscow’s Igor Akinfeev and Celtic’s Artur Boruc are both under consideration.
Lehmann said: “One-year deals are pretty good because you can’t allow yourself any letdowns. I haven’t given myself a time limit on a new contract, but the Bundesliga and Spain are alternatives.
“It doesn’t matter when I leave Arsenal. I like London, the club and the stadium, but there are other aspects. I haven’t made up my mind yet.”
