Schwarzer wants to leave Fulham

Schwarzer joined Fulham in 2008 from Middlesbrough

Unsettled Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer has handed in a transfer request, manager Mark Hughes has confirmed.

Schwarzer is wanted by Arsenal, who had a £2m bid for the 37-year-old turned down in May but the Australian wants to make the move to the Emirates Stadium.

Boss Arsene Wenger has hinted he is willing to make a new bid for Schwarzer who would provide competition for Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianksi.

"My understanding is that he has handed in a transfer request," said Hughes.

Schwarzer is keen for a taste of Champions League football before the end of his career, which has led him to hand in the request.

606: DEBATE Should Schwarzer leave Fulham?

The Australian caught the eye last season with a string of impressive performances as Fulham reached the Europa League final, eventually losing 2-1 to Seville.

Schwarzer joined Fulham in May 2008, leaving Middlesbrough after 11 years at the club and has played 100 times for the Cottagers.

"He has indicated that he would like the opportunity to leave. Obviously we haven't encouraged Arsenal to come back to the table because they haven't been back since May," added Hughes.

"If they do come back and talk to me or my chief executive, then further conversations will be had but at the moment there is no point because we are not talking to anybody because they have not come back to us."

Hughes warned Schwarzer that he would not necessarily be guaranteed first-team football at Arsenal and even admitted that he would be willing to offer the Australian an extension to his current contract, which expires next summer, in order to persuade the star to stay.

"Sometimes it is not always greener on the other side," added Hughes.

"I understand that at certain times of their careers players feel that when an opportunity presents itself, they feel they have to consider it very carefully.

"I think that is the case with Mark so I fully understand where he is coming from in that respect."

When asked about the prospect of offering Schwarzer a new contract, Hughes stated: "I am sure that is something that will be discussed. I haven't been part of that process.

"We certainly don't want Mark to leave. We want him to be happy here. We will try and ensure he will be."

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