Di Canio hopes to keep Simon Mignolet at the Stadium of Light, despite interest from Arsenal.
Paulo Di Canio says he is determined to keep Arsenal target Simon Mignolet at Sunderland this summer and has targeted a number of new signings for the Black Cats.
Mignolet has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reportedly keen to sign a new number one to replace Wojciech Szczesny.
Belgium international Mignolet has hinted that he may be interested in a move to a bigger club ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but Di Canio has insisted he wants the 2012 north east player of the year to remain on Wearside.
“I want to build something here at Sunderland and take the club forward – that is my mission. So the last thing I want to do is to let any of our quality players leave,” the Italian told the Hartlepool Mail.
“Simon is a top class goalkeeper,” he said. “He’s very important to us.”
Mignolet was an ever-present in the Premier League for Sunderland this season and the 25-year-old’s consistently excellent displays were crucial in helping the club narrowly avoid relegation.
But after a 17th-placed finish Di Canio says a number of new faces are needed at Sunderland ahead of next season.
“It is clear that we have to bring in players over the summer – half-a-dozen, maybe more,” added Di Canio.
“We finished near the relegation zone and so it is obvious that we need to make changes to make sure that we are not in this situation next season.
“But at the same time we already have some quality players here, and I want them to stay.”
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