Italian goalkeeper Vito Mannone has set his sights on becoming the
Arsenal number one after signing a new long-term contract with the
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 Sunday'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.
"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."
