Gunners to Sign Mannone

Another youngster looks poised to move to N5...don't worry, Wenger knows!

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is pondering another raid on Italy with Vito Mannone poised to join the North Londoners.

Wenger was delighted with the capture of Arturo Lupoli from Parma last summer and is looking to follow that up with another swoop on the youth scene in Serie A.

Atalanta keeper Mannone is only 17 years old but is highly regarded within the game.

The teenager is to sign a three-year contract at Highbury and is expected to undertake his first training session with Wenger's men this week.

Arsenal have been trailing Mannone for some time after first being alerted to his ability during an Under-18 international tournament a few months ago.

Atalanta, who will be in Serie B next term, want compensating for developing their youngster and a fee of around €500,000 seems likely to settle the deal.

The Gunners have not confirmed the news officially but it is understood that Mannone will become an Arsenal player before the week is out.