SEAMAN STAYING BUT PEP CONFUSION RIFE

Seaman's future had been in considerable doubt and with a proposed move by the Highbury club for Brazilian international Rogerio Ceni, Arsene Wenger has for some time been thinking about a long-term successor to the England ace.

Austrian Alex Manninger, after a bright start, is not thought to be consistent enough, but it is some tribute to Seaman that he has managed to keep his first-team place at age 37.

The deal will see Seaman stay with Arsenal for his 12th term, something that Wenger was quick to praise.

Seaman has been hampered by shoulder and ankle injuries all season, but Arsenal have moved to keep the veteran keeper for at least one more year whilst they finalise plans for his successor.

Wenger said: "David has been playing well this season, he is fitter and has lost a bit of weight."

However, Wenger was reported to have claimed his side had missed out on one target, with Josep Guardiola's link to Italy becoming increasingly more likely.

Wenger said: "Yes, I wanted to sign him but he has turned us down."

This was discredited by an Arsenal spokeswoman saying: "We have made no inquiry for Guardiola and therefore he has not turned down the chance to move to
Arsenal.  He will not be signing for the club."