‘I dream of a Milan move’: Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone
If reports coming from Italy are to be believed, Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone has his heart set on a move to Italian Serie A giants AC Milan. Mannone is deeply upset about the lack of first team opportunities at Arsenal. The young Italian shot stopper
is way down in Arsene Wenger’s pecking order as the French tactician prefers Manuel Almunia and Łukasz Fabiański over the former Atalanta youngster.
Vito Mannone was signed by Arsenal even before he could sign a professional contract with Atalanta. English Premier League outfits have been poaching Italian talents in the recent past, something that has left the Serie A authorities enraged.
Despite being a regular starter for Italy U-21 side, the Arsenal youngster has been unable to make it to the Gunners’ first team as poor form and constant injuries have hampered his growth. Mannone signed a new contract with the Gunners on 25th
January, 2010 vowing to fight for a first team place. However, Mannone has apparently lost hope in his first team chances with the London based outfit and has launched a ‘come and get me plea’.
“London is a great city and I love it but here I get to play very little. I must admit I dream of Milan. I never lose sight of the club, they are my childhood dream,” claimed the youngster.
AC Milan has had its share of goalkeeping disasters. Over the past couple of seasons, the club has found it hard coming out with answers to its goalkeeping woes. Brazilian Dida and lanky Aussie shot stopper Zeljko Kalac both tried but failed to impress.
The club let go of both the players earlier this summer as Cristian Abbiati was given the goalkeeping duties.
Abbiati has put in some impressive displays so far this season and looks set to retain his starting spot. The Rossoneri hierarchy has made the signing of a full back as their priority and Mannone is unlikely to get his wish, not for the time being at least.
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