Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer admits he wants Champions League action before hanging up the gloves.
Having rejected Bayern Munich and Juventus earlier in his career because he felt he would not get playing time, Arsenal's summer interest was an unexpected late chance to compete for the title and play Champions League football.
"I pushed pretty hard in the summer," he said. "I'm not getting any younger. Any footballer would be crazy not to want to try to explore that opportunity.
"I've played in Europe in three different seasons, twice with Middlesbrough and once with Fulham and was pretty successful with both those clubs in those competitions.
"That gave me an appetite to play European football. And Champions League football is something I've never had before. You have to test yourself against the very best and they play Champions League football."
As for the January market, Schwarzer told the Telegraph: "I really believe you have to grow continuously as a footballer and not stop just because you are the tender age of 38.
"Edwin van der Sar, who's 40, is a great example. He's inspiring. I want to continue like Edwin's doing. He's a role model for me. As to January, I genuinely don't know. What will be will be."
Click here for the best Arsenal coverage on the 'net. All your Gunners news and gossip in one spot.