Arsenal lodge Manninger complaint

Surprise move 
The Austrian international, who spent last season on loan at AC Fiorentina, was due to make a permanent move to the Primera División until Espanyol invoked a clause in the contract they had agreed with Arsenal allowing them to call off the deal.

Cancelled contract 
Manninger had been with Espanyol since July, but the transfer broke down when the Catalan side wanted to renegotiate the player's contract - leaving Arsenal and the goalkeeper furious.

'We are astonished' 
"We are astonished at Espanyol's behaviour," said Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein. "They entered into a contract with us on 3 July - and Alex has been with them since 15 July. He passed his medical the following day and indeed has played several friendly matches for the club.

Unsuccessful renegotiation 
"We understand over the past week they have tried to renegotiate the terms of the agreement with the player - naturally without success," added Dein. "Their general manager [José Lluis Marco] rang yesterday apologising for the cancellation of the contract. We are appalled by the whole affair and will now leave it to FIFA and the lawyers."

Not mutual 
After contacting the Premiership club to inform them of the decision, Espanyol announced it on their website. "The Austrian goalkeeper has reached an agreement to terminate his contract and will leave the club," said an official statement.

'Disgraceful and unprofessional' 
But Manninger denied it was a mutual agreement. "I am extremely disappointed with what has happened with Espanyol," he said. "They have unilaterally decided to cancel my contract. I find their actions disgraceful and unprofessional - and I will now refer the case to FIFA."