Arsenal look set to miss out on QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar as the Brazilian inches toward a season-long loan spell at Napoli, according to the
Daily Star. Yesterday we reported the Gunners are closing in on the former Inter Milan star with a
cut-price £1.5 million bid, while the keeper has been told by the Hoops he is free to leave following their relegation into the Championship. Arsenal were hoping to take advantage of the Hoop's current situation, with Harry Redknapp's side keen to get the player off their spiraling wage bill. But the Premier League side aren't the only ones with those intentions, as
Sky Sports Italia reports Napoli have reached an agreement with QPR for the Brazilian's services, though personal terms are yet to be agreed. Arsene Wenger isn't prepared to throw in the towel just yet however, and could be willing to out-do Napoli by covering Cesar's £2.4 million wages in full. The Naples-based club are only willing to pay £1.8 million. Cesar recently revealed during the Confederations Cup that he wouldn't rule out a return to Italy, where he spent seven years at Inter Milan, winning the Champions League under Jose Mourinho in 2010. He said:
"It would be good to return to Italian football, knowing the league and the language."
Cesar was named Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year two years running in 2009 and 2010.