Mannone extends Arsenal stay

Vito Mannone aims to become Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper after signing for another four years with the Premier League leaders on Monday.

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

Mannone joined Arsenal from Atalanta in 2005 and has Polish international Lukasz Fabianski, who played in Sunday’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat by Stoke, ahead of him in the Gunners’ goalkeeping pecking order.

However, the Italy Under-21 international, who has had offers from clubs at home, had no qualms about staying with Arsenal.

“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.”