Hull Close on Mannone Capture

Vito Mannone is set for a permanent move to Hull

By Nick Lander

Steve Bruce has confirmed that he plans to speak to Arsenal about taking Vito Mannone to Hull on a permanent basis. The Arsenal stopper has enjoyed two loan spells with the Tigers, in the second halves of seasons 2010/11 and 2011/12. The Italian amassed 23 appearances in amber and black in 11/12 and impressed then manager Nick Barmby greatly. His chances of a permanent move seemed to have vanished when Bruce replaced Barmby in June, but after Brad Guzan chose to stay on at Aston Villa, Hull are back in for the Arsenal 'keeper.

Speaking to the Hull Daily Mail, Bruce said "we'll speak with Mr Wenger... next week." The Gunners are believed to be after a fee of around £1m. Mannone would be the second goalkeeper to leave Arsenal this summer, following Manuel Almunia's release at the end of June. Lukasz Fabianski is also hankering after a transfer having made just five appearances in 2011/12, after compatriot Wojciech Szczesney usurped him as Arsenal's #1 the season before. Arsenal fans can reasonably expect to see at least one new goalkeeper join this summer, possibly Lyon's Hugo Lloris who has been heavily linked this week (though his club refute the claim that the Gunners have already bid for the French #1).

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