Poland goalkeeper joining Arsenal

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LONDON, England -- Poland international Lukasz Fabianski will be competing with Jens Lehmann for the Arsenal goalkeeping slot next season, manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday.

The Frenchman confirmed his Premier League club had reached an agreement which will see the 22-year-old move to London from Legia Warsaw.

"That will be done," said Wenger. "He will be our new goalkeeper. He will join us next year, be in the squad and compete for a position.

"He is one for the future. We have identified him as having all the qualities to challenge here and be one of the future great goalkeepers for Arsenal Football Club."

The capture of Fabianski comes in the wake of Lehmann's recent decision to accept a one-year contract extension, the 37-year-old having failed to persuade the club to offer him a longer deal.

Arsenal, who had been linked with a move for Scotland number one Craig Gordon, also have Spanish goalkeeper Manuel Almunia on their books.

Wenger insisted on Friday that he could "guarantee" that Thierry Henry will still be at Arsenal next season, despite reports Barcelona are preparing a fresh bid to prise the Gunners captain away from north London.

After a frustrating season, during which a League Cup final defeat to Chelsea was the closest Arsenal came to silverware, it has been suggested that Henry might look elsewhere in search of honors as he nears his 30th birthday.

The French ace has not played since March due to stomach and groin injuries, prompting fears he may have made his last appearance at The Emirates stadium.

But Wenger insisted Friday: "It is more down to imagination than anything else, Thierry Henry will be here next year."

Asked whether he could guarantee to fans that Henry would remain at the Emirates after the current campaign, he told the club's Web site: "Yes, of course."

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