Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone to join Hull City on loan

According to the club's official website, Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone will reprise last season's stint in East Yorkshire, joining the Hull City FC Tigers for the remainder of the 2011-12 season:

The 23 year-old Italian also enjoyed a loan spell at the KC Stadium last term, helping the Championship side to accrue 21 points in his ten appearances. He returns to East Yorkshire hoping to continue that good form and to provide a boost to the Tigers in their bid for promotion.

21 points out of a possible 30 is a good showing, and Hull will no doubt hope that Don Vito can do similar or better in his return. Hull currently sit in sixth place in the Championship on 39 points, one point above seventh-place Blackpool, and eight points off the leaders Southampton (god, they've risen quickly, bless them Saints) and West Ham United. Cardiff, Middlesbrough, and Reading round out the current playoff spots at the top, with Leeds United, Derby, Burnley, and Crystal Palace all lurking within three points of the spots as well. There are 10 teams currently within six points of the playoff spots. The Championship is super dope, in other words.

Mannone is Arsenal's third keeper, and given the stranglehold that Wojciech Szczesny has on the top spot right now, a loan move will get him valuable playing time. He's still only 23, and he should have a good career ahead of him. Best of luck to the Don up north.