Emiliano Viviano intends to make a strong challenge for Wojciech Szczesny's No 1 Arsenal jersey. The Italy international joined the Gunners on a season-long loan from Palermo, initially as support for Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski.

"I think it is a good thing that there are other great goalkeepers here. It is a positive fight," Viviano said. "We are at work every day together and I am sure there will be great friendship.

"I know Fabianski has been a little bit unlucky last year with some injuries. I always see Szczesny play and he is a good goalkeeper, a great goalkeeper. I will work hard with them to [compete].

"It feels good [to sign for Arsenal], it is a dream for me. "It is easy [to choose Arsenal], it is one of the best clubs in the world. It is a club with a fantastic story, with a boss who is one of the best in Europe and for me it is a dream. It is special.

"I know the players, a lot of things about the Premier League because I love the English type of thinking about football and sports.

"It is different, it is always a full stadium, always in every club - whether it is a small team or a small city. They have good teams, with a good training field, good passion.

"I hope I can help Arsenal win every match and I hope my experience with this team and this city can help me get back into the national team."