Gunners close in on Penneteau

The 21-year-old has emerged as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger's top target to take over from David Seaman when the England custodian decides to finally hang up his boots.

Arsenal have had Penneteau watched on several occasions this season and could make a move for him before the transfer window closes with Rami Shaaban still recovering from a broken leg.

The Gunners are constantly being linked with new keepers, but it seems that Penneteau is top of Wenger's list.

The player's agent Philippe Flavier confirmed that Arsenal are keen on Penneteau and that his client would be keen on a move to Highbury.

"Arsenal have had their eye on Nicolas for a year," said Flavier. "Although we'd sooner discuss a transfer at the end of the season, we will manage things accordingly if we get an offer for him."

The French Under-21 international has a contract at Bastia until 2005, but the Corsican outfit know they face a fight to hold onto him.

Meanwhile, Gunners defender Ashley Cole has revealed he would love to stay at Highbury for the rest of his career and that he would like to captain the club at some point in the future.

The England international, who was a boyhood Gunners fan, is keen to win more silverware at Highbury after playing an instrumental role in last season's Double success.

"It's a dream come true for me," said Cole. "When I was young, I used to watch them on TV and whenever I got a chance, I went to the ground.

"I thought that I could maybe one day play for them but only as a joke really. Now it's untrue, it's unbelievable and I'd love to stay all my life and be captain at some point.

"I love being here and I just want to win more silverware."