Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet’s agent has revealed that his client is seeking a step up in his career, and has alerted all interested clubs, including Arsenal, by stating that the highly rated keeper will not be signing a new contract at his current club.

The Gunners have been linked with a move for the goalkeeping position, after Arsene Wenger having to shuffle between three keepers for the entirety of this past season. Despite Wojciech Szczesny being number one, the Poland international has been unable to establish his position as the permanent man in goal. Vito Mannone and Lukasz Fabianski have also appeared on several occasions, casting a doubt over Szczesny’s credibility at the club.

Fabianski’s career at Arsenal seems to be drawing to an end, after speculation about Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper, Julio Cesar, arriving at the club gathering pace effectively putting an end to Fabianski’s chances of being number one. Turkish side Besiktas have been linked with a move for Fabianski.

This means that one of Mignolet or Cesar is more likely to arrive at the club. Going by age, Mignolet has the advantage at 25-years of age, as compared to Cesar’s at 33. However, going by experience, Cesar holds the advantage as he has been involved with Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League. Hence, it really depends on which aspect Wenger is looking for in a goalkeeper.

Mignolet has been highly rated by experts, and has produced some incredible performances. Even though his club nearly fell in the trap of relegation after finishing in 17th position in the Barclays Premier League, that has been partly due to the ten other players not performing as a unit.

Mignolet has played 101 games for Sunderland, and despite new manager Paulo di Canio’s impact at the club, his wishes to move still exist.

According to Metro, Mignolet’s agent, Nico Vaesen, has revealed the wishes of the player.

Vaesen said, “I think it is very unlikely that he will sign a new contract.”

“Simon has obviously come to a point where he wants to step up a level and there is a lot of interest in him.”

“He is very ambitious and wants to play in the World Cup, in Brazil, next year.”

“It was a good thing that Sunderland stayed up and it is a fantastic club where he has had three great years.”

“But it is maybe time to step up a level and play for a club competing for a European spot.”

However, Vaesen has insisted that his client will respect Sunderland’s wishes, and will have the final say in proceedings.

Vaesen iterated: “All teams that are interested in Simon, we direct them to Sunderland. He still has a two-year contract there and any interested clubs have to agree a price with Sunderland first. That is the way we conduct our business.”