Arsenal are set to lose Vito Mannone as reports suggest Sunderland are close to reaching an agreement with the Gunners over a permanent deal for the Italian goalkeeper, who will replace Liverpool bound Simon Mignolet as Sunderland’s number one.

Arsene Wenger is clearly a manager busy with transfer dealings, and his club are involved in transfer deals for multiple positions in the side, including the goalkeeping spot. Despite Wojciech Szczesny being number one, the Poland international has been unable to establish his position as the permanent man in goal. Mannone and Lukasz Fabianski also appeared on several occasions last season, casting a doubt over Szczesny’s credibility at the club.

There were also talks of Mignolet making a switch to the Emirates Stadium, as the Belgium international had been recognized as one of the most consistent shot stoppers in the Barclays Premier League. However, this week saw Liverpool agree a deal with Sunderland over the transfer, which left the Black Cats without a number one. Mannone has been patient in his approach for games at Arsenal, but the academy graduate could not make a break through, which gave Szczesny the permanent role.

At 25-years of age, Mannone needs to playing regular football in order to develop his skills at the highest level, and Sunderland provide the perfect opportunity for the Italian. Under the leadership of his compatriot, legend Paulo Di Canio, Sunderland are making the right moves to improve the quality at the club. Mannone would surely relish the opportunity of playing under a manager from his native country who has made an impressive start to his managerial career at Swindon Town and also in his short spell so far at Sundeland where he did of course keep them in the Premier League. Di Canio has already confirmed the signings of Valentin Roberge, Cabral and Modibo Diakite from Maritimo, FC Basel and Lazio respectively so Sunderland are looking like they are certainly amongst the movers and shakers this summer.

Metro reveals that according to the reports emerging on Wearside, both clubs are in advanced talks and the Mannone deal is expected to be concluded as early as this week, when the player will be given permission to discuss personal terms with Sunderland.

For Arsenal, this move reduces their goalkeeping depth to Szczesny and Fabianski. The Gunners will most certainly make a move for a goalkeeper to replace Mannone, and that could be Queens Park Rangers keeper Julio Cesar, who has been rumored to be on Wenger’s wish list this summer.