Jens Lehmann’s proposed move to Borussia Dortmund, the German club, has broken down because of his wage demands. He wanted an 18-month contract worth £3 million, but the Arsenal goalkeeper was offered a deal until the end of the season on less money.

VfL Wolfsburg have also expressed an interest in taking him back to Germany, but Lehmann’s decision to reject Dortmund makes it increasingly likely he will stay at Arsenal until the summer as no one else appears happy to match his contract. The 38-year-old has not given up hope of regaining his first-team place from Manuel Almunia and views Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie away to Burnley as an opportunity to show his worth. Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, is keen for him to stay as he wants competition for places. “I think Jens will be involved at the weekend,” he said.

Lehmann has started only one match since being dropped in August after a series of errors and vowed to leave because he fears that a lack of first-team football could jeopardise his chances of playing for Germany in this summer’s European Championship. Joachim Löw, the Germany coach, has said that Lehmann will not necessarily lose his international place if he remains on the Arsenal bench.