Stuttgart make Lehmann offer

Keeper facing wage cut

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 2nd June 2008

Stuttgart make Lehmann offer

Lehmann: Decision time

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Bundesliga side Stuttgart are close to agreeing a deal to take Jens Lehmann back to his homeland.

The Germany international is set to end a five-year stay at Arsenal this summer when his contract expires and he is released as a free agent.

Stuttgart have led the race for his signature since it became apparent that he would not be offered a new contract at Emirates Stadium, and are believed to have now put an offer on the table.

Club chairman Erwin Staudt admits that the Reds cannot afford to match the wages Lehmann enjoyed in England, but is confident that the veteran shot-stopper will be on his way to Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion in the near future.

"This will hopefully be made concrete in the next few days," said Staudt.

"It is not a straightforward conversation, there are options to be discussed."

The 2007 Bundesliga champions are believed to have offered Lehmann two-thirds of his current salary with the Gunners, on a one-year deal which includes the option for an extension.