Barclaycard Premiership champions Arsenal are closely monitoring Mark Schwarzer's contract talks with Boro. Arsene Wenger has identified the Aussie international as a potential replacement for Jens Lehmann, who has failed to convince his manager he's a suitable long-term replacement for David Seaman. The German stopper has made a number of howlers, despite playing behind the tightest defence in the Premiership. There's no suggestion at this stage that the Gunners have tabled an offer for Steve McClaren's highly-rated keeper. But the Gazette Sports understands that Wenger will test Boro's resolve with a bid if Schwarzer fails to agree a new long-term deal. The 31-year-old's current deal runs until the end of next season, and the manager has constantly reiterated his desire to convince the keeper to commit his future to the club. Schwarzer, Ugo Ehiogu and Gareth Southgate are regarded as the bedrock of McClaren's team. Ehiogu has already signed a two-year extension to his current contract and has committed his future to Boro until June 2007. Talks with Southgate, who is also out of contract next summer, have been put on hold while he fights to regain his fitness following his knee injury. But he's hinted that he would be happy to finish his career on Teesside. If Schwarzer fails to agree a new deal, Boro will be in a quandary. They could opt to cash in on a player who cost a modest £1.25m when signed from Bradford and who's given seven years' sterling service. However, there's no natural successor to step into his boots. Carlo Nash hasn't played regular first team football since the 2001/02 season and he was unable to deputise for Schwarzer earlier this year due to a finger injury. Brad Jones is talented but, at 22-years-old, is inexperienced and it's unlikely that McClaren would make the Australian his first choice. The same applies to 19-year-old Ross Turnbull, who is highly-regarded at Rockliffe Park, but still very raw in terms of big match experience. Alternatively, Boro could insist Schwarzer plays out his contract and allow him to leave on a free next summer. Lehmann's future at Arsenal has been a hot media topic this week and the German admitted he had to improve. In addition to Schwarzer, the Gunners have also been linked with Southampton's Antti Niemi and Parma's Sebastien Frey. It's put pressure on the current incumbent to prove his worth in the Champions' remaining fixtures. "I know there's a little bit of room to improve," said Lehmann. "There's still four games and that's all I want to concentrate on. Lots of things can happen." He claims it has taken him time to adjust to the Premiership, following his summer move from German Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. "I left the coziness of the Bundesliga and now am a little light in a big club," said the 34-year-old. And he added: "You have to adapt to the different culture, different language, to a different style of the game." | 
