Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi 'Gigi' Buffon is eyeing up a possible move to the premiership, which will spark interest from a number of clubs within the league.

The Italian goal-stopper has insisted that if he were to be shown the door at Juve at the end of the season, his preferred destination would be England. Buffon still has three more years left in his current contract, but has heavily been linked with top premiership clubs which include Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal. The 32-year-old Italian made transfer history when he moved from Parma in 2001 for an estimated £32 million, thus becoming the most expensive goalkeeper in the world to date. Speaking to Italy’s sky sports 24 about his situation he said:

“If I had to leave, I think England would be my destination. My desire to leave Juve is equal to that of Juve's will to have me leave. At this time there is nothing [to discuss] but there are two weeks to go [before the end of the season] and anything can happen. Juve always has the priority and we will see if we will decide for our paths to continue together” - Gianluigi Buffon

Buffon has been left disillusioned having seen his team pick up no silverware for two consecutive years. Poor performances have also resulted in his side not being able to qualify for the champion’s league next season. Buffon is looking to get back to winning ways and play at the highest level, and unfortunately ‘the old lady’ cannot offer either.

Arsenal, Manchester United and City have all been alerted of the Juve goalkeeper’s recent dismay, and as such, will be looking to secure the services of the Italian number one if he is put on the market. Manchester United will want to bring in a replacement for Edwin van der Sar, although they have Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak in line for that spot. Manchester City will feel it their right to at least attempt to approach the Italian, even though they have a great goalkeeper in Shay Given and young prospect Joe Hart at their disposal…This leaves Arsenal.

The gunners are in desperate need of a capable pair of hands between the posts after witnessing catastrophic errors from both Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski this season. Arsenal fans have expressed their thoughts on what needs to be added to the squad this summer and a goal-stopper is one of them. The Arsenal faithful will want to see Wenger bring in a top-draw goalkeeper and they don’t come better than the Italian Buffon.

Wenger should do everything in his power to try and lure Gianluigi Buffon to the Emirates stadium when the window opens in July. However, Arsenal will (if they try to acquire Buffon) face stiff competition for his signature with out a shadow of a doubt. Wenger knows that the richer clubs (Man City, Chelsea) have the upper hand when it comes to a bidding game, so it will be up to Wenger to try and persuade the famous stopper to join his club rather than another. Wenger has repeatedly told fans to be patient and give him time, but if the Arsenal boss does not sign a world class keeper, or at least attempt to sign one this summer, then expect criticism Arsene.

Gianluigi has experience and knowledge to match his talent. He is full of confidence and not short of ability either, and at 6’3”, is outstanding at crosses…exactly what the gunners are looking for. Although he is not getting any younger he is still regarded as a top professional by many.

Football fans around the world should appreciate how good a goalkeeper Buffon really is, and if he does decide to leave Juve, then expect a stampede of clubs rushing to attain his signature.

Follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/TMer4kl1