Arsenal recruit Almunia
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Article summary
Arsenal FC have signed Spanish goalkeeper Manuel Almunia from RC Celta de Vigo for an undisclosed fee.
Article body
Albacete loan
The 27-year-old spent the 2003/04 season on loan at Albacete Balompié, making 24 appearances as the club finished 14th in the Primera División.
'Good support'
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said: "We are pleased to have signed Manuel Almunia, who we have been watching closely for a while now. He is a goalkeeper who will provide good support to our squad and he has proved last season during his time on loan at Albacete that he can perform effectively at the highest level."
Champions League challenge
Almunia himself added: "I am so happy to be joining Arsenal. They are a great club with a squad full of fantastic players." The English title-holders will begin their UEFA Champions League challenge in the group stage this autumn.