Lehmann signs deal with Stuttgart

Lehmann was behind Manuel Almunia in Arsenal's pecking order

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has signed for German club VFB Stuttgart after agreeing a one-year deal.

Out of contract this summer, the 38-year-old fell out of favour with Arsenal last season and lost his place to Manuel Almunia.

But he retained his place with the national team and is expected to start for Germany in Euro 2008.

"His qualities are undeniable and the team will benefit from his experience," Stuttgart coach Armin Veh said.

"Jens was our top candidate from the very beginning for the goalkeeper position," Veh told Stuttgart's website.

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Lehmann, who played for Schalke and Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, will compete with Raphael Schafer for the goalkeeping position at Stuttgart.

Lehmann's exit, though expected, is likely to persuade Arsene Wenger to recruit a new goalkeeper.

The Arsenal manager currently has Almunia as his number one, with Polish international Lukasz Fabianski a highly-rated, but relatively inexperienced, second keeper.