Arsene Wenger is set to complete the signing of Bristol Rovers 18-year-old goalkeeper Matt Macey.

The League Two strugglers Rovers are resigned to losing their whizkid as Macey has had talks with Arsenal and Everton on-going since the summer transfer window.

Having already trialled with the Gunners U21 side, Macey looks a cert to join the ranks as back-up after the signing of Emiliano Viviano from Palermo in the transfer window.

Viviano-go

Initially back-up for Wojciech Szczesny, Viviano joined on a one-year loan deal from Serie A side Palermo in a move worth around £1million. All summer Arsene Wenger was on the lookout for a new number 1 due to the sketchy form of Polish stopper Szczesny, with the likes of Vicente Guaita, Asmir Begovic and Iker Casillas mentioned.

However with Szczesny currently showing some form, newbie Viviano has been kept on the sidelines and it yet to make his Arsenal debut.

The signing of Macey, a prospect which has had Wenger on red-alert for a considerable amount of time, represents an improvement in the perception of the Arsenal youth system which more recently has only developed the likes of Jack Wilshere.

Macey will join and more than likely feature in the Barclays U21 Premier League with a view to becoming the next big-thing between the sticks.

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