Rumour Reel: Arsenal open Gimenez talks in bid to ease defensive crisis

Guardiola may soon have a new man between the sticks though, with the Spaniard reportedly set to replace Hart at the Etihad with Barcelona and Chile international keeper Claudio Bravo this month.

The 33-year-old has been battling with German teammate Marc-Andre ter Stegen for the number one spot at the Nou Camp, but instead could soon be linking up with former Nou Camp coach Guardiola on the blue half of Manchester.

It’s believed that the Sky Blues will have to part with up to £17.4m in order to secure the South American’s signature, with Spanish champions Barca looking to capture Dutchman Jasper Cillessen as his immediate replacement.

Spurs up chase for Lopez

Another top-flight club in search of a new goalkeeper is Tottenham, with Mauricio Pochettino hoping to secure the signature of Espanyol’s Spanish shot stopper Pau Lopez on a permanent contract.

Although, Spurs have reportedly already failed in their attempts to land the 21-year-old for £3m this summer, and will possibly have to settle for a season-long loan deal from La Liga instead, with an option to buy next year.

Lopez has come through Espanyol’s youth ranks and is regarded as one of their brightest talents, and Tottenham’s interest comes after their number one and France skipper Hugo Lloris was injured in their Premier League opener.

The French goal guard limped off during the eventual 1-1 draw with Everton and is expected to be out for several weeks, with the Londoners therefore upping their pursuit of talented youngster Lopez as his potential stand in.

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