Mannone Keen To Remain A Gooner

Vito Mannone has been another Arsenal player thrust into the fore this season after an injury to Wojciech Szczesny handed the Italian a starting berth.



Carl Jenkinson has found his way into the starting XI as he deputises for Bacary Sagna, Vito has also grasped his opportunity with both hands and has performed admirably between the sticks.



However rumours had surfaced that with only 12 months remaining on his contract, Mannone was looking to return to his native Italy. However the stopper has moved quickly to not only deny he wants a move, but also that he has only a year left on his current deal.



'I want to make it clear, because there have been unfounded rumours, that my contract is not ending in 12 months,' said Mannone on Arsenal.com



'I've got a few more years and I'm happy to be at Arsenal right now. I'm looking at the present and my future is not in doubt. I want to stay at Arsenal as long as I can, I don't want to move to any other club.'

Mannone keen to keep starting spot

Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone has warned Wojciech Szczesny he will have to fight to reclaim his place in the starting 11.



The Italian shot-stopper has kept a clean sheet in both his appearances against Stoke and Liverpool this season while deputising for the injured Szczesny.



The Polish goalkeeper is expected to be fit for Arsenal's game against Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 5.



But Mannone's impressive performances could see him retain his place between the sticks.



"I just roll up my sleeves and try to work because I know I can do well," he told the club's website.



"When you are number one, you feel important and like the happiest man in the world, that sort of feeling gives me the chance to go onto the pitch with confidence.



"I would like to be involved more and more and establish myself."



Mannone is relishing competing with Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski this season, and believes the added competition will benefit all three keepers.



"It is a good fight between the keepers because we know the level is quite high and you need to keep working and improve yourself to get the first spot," he said.