Beckham Takes It Off For Armani

David Beckham is set to become the latest face for Giorgio Armani underwear with reports circulating that the soccer ace signed a whopping US $40 million deal to advertise for the fashion giant.

Beckham - who began shooting the campaign with renowned photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott in Los Angeles last Friday (November 9) - will appear on billboards and magazine adverts for Emporio Armani SS08 underwear as early next year.

It is thought David's relationship with the 73-year-old designer - who has hosted dinner parties for David and his wife Victoria since their move to Los Angeles - was "instrumental" in securing the deal.

A source close to the designer said: "The personal relationship was definitely instrumental in this deal. David and Giorgio get on very well so it was very much Giorgio's personal choice. But Armani also see this as a sound business decision - few individuals have a truly global reach that can match David's."

Father-of-three David will receive an annual fee as well as royalties for his role as the new global ambassador of the label.

While his advertising contracts with Vodafone and Gillette came to an end earlier this year, 32-year-old David still fronts campaigns for Adidas, Pepsi, Motorola and Coty fragrances.

An Armani spokesperson said: "I can confirm David Beckham will be appearing in the Emporio Armani SS08 underwear campaign."