Lehmann signs new Arsenal contract

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LONDON, England -- Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has signed a new one-year contract with the club.

The 37-year-old German international joined Arsenal in 2003 from German club Borussia Dortmund and his contract was to expire at the end of this season.

Lehmann had wanted a two-year deal, but Arsenal only give senior players yearly extensions to their contracts.

"Lehmann has extended for one year," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday. "He is a 100 percent professional. He gives something to the team as well in the dressing room if it is needed and I think he had a decent season this season."

Wenger hinted at a possible promotion for Manuel Almunia as well. Almunia, the Gunners' No. 2 goalkeeper, played in Arsenal's League Cup run this season, which ended in a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the final.

"I see Jens as a top class goalkeeper and Almunia as a top class goalkeeper as well," Wenger said. "So it will be a battle at some stage because Almunia has improved tremendously.

"Jens is trying everyday to make life difficult for those who compete with him. That is very good because it makes those who are competing with him improve as well."

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