Mannone signs new deal

Posted Tuesday, January 26, 2010 by PA

Italian goalkeeper Vito Mannone has set his sights on becoming the Arsenal number one after signing a new long-term contract with the Barclays Premier League club.

The 21-year-old stepped in for the injured Manuel Almunia earlier this season, making his debut in the Champions League at Standard Liege and going on to chalk up eight appearances.

Mannone, who joined Arsenal from Atalanta in 2005, currently has Lukasz Fabianski ahead of him, with the Poland international playing in yesterday's 3-1 FA Cup defeat at Stoke.

However, the Italy Under-21 keeper, who had interest from other clubs back home, wants another taste of first-team football as soon as possible.

"It is a great day for me, a great moment. I am really happy to be staying at Arsenal and will give everything to repay the club for the faith they have shown in me," Mannone told the club's official website, www.arsenal.com.

"I am delighted to be staying here because it was always my plan when I was really young to come to England and make it here at Arsenal, which is one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"Now I want to try and become the number one goalkeeper here, and help the team win trophies."