ALEX FULFILLS ITALIAN DREAM

The Arsenal keeper is likely to make the move permanent, providing he is a success for Roberto Mancini's cash-strapped Viola, after being squeezed out at Highbury by the £5 million arrival of Richard Wright.

Indeed, Arsene Wenger confirmed there was no future for the Austrian at the club during the press conference that unveiled the Ipswich starlet.

Fiorentina have signed the 24-year-old on loan but with the right to close a permanent transfer, worth in the region of £2.9 million, before December 20.

It could mean a Christmas bonus for the former Sturm Graz shot-stopper.

"I have always dreamed of playing in Italy," said Manninger.

"I waited a lot for Fiorentina because of the creed of being first choice keeper.

"I know I am not the only one, I know there is (Giuseppe) Taglialatela. I also know that (Francesco) Toldo has played in this club but I have made my first step here.

"Thanks to Fiorentina, I hope to go to the World Cup and this, for me, will be a very important season.

"I want to contribute to holding high the name of the Austrian school of goalkeepers.

"I have met Mancini but we have not spoken about the Tottenham game.

"I have trained for four or five weeks already, and have played in three friendlies.

"Physically, I am very good and ready to play against Tottenham."