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Mannone plans to give Wenger selection headache

Vito Mannone has no intention of giving up his place without a fight © Getty Images

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Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone has rubbished claims that he is worried about his long-term future at the club.

Mannone, 24, was reportedly unhappy over a lack of contract talks, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

However, the former Atalanta man insists he is only concerned about trying to hold down the No. 1 spot at the club since taking the gloves from the injured Wojciech Szczesny.

"Neither myself nor anyone from my family or friends have spoken about any deal," Mannone told Arsenal's official website. "At the moment I am really happy and just focusing on training and playing well.

"I am trying to be the No.1 for this club and win trophies. That is my only concern and I would like to make that clear.

"The boss has given me the chance. I have to keep going and prove myself in every single game. This is my best time at Arsenal so I would be crazy to not take the chance to put up a fight for my place.

"I am really happy and honoured to play for this club. I am loving every minute of each game. West Ham was a great win in a tough place and I was happy to give my contribution. I just want to tell everyone I am just trying do well and give something back to the fans who support the team as well as the boss who has given me the chance."

Mannone revealed he came close to quitting the club in the summer after being farmed out on loan to Hull City last season.

"I was ready to go and play somewhere else," Mannone was quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror. "I did some good work last year and think I deserved to be playig football - I couldn't be a No. 1. But now things have changed and the boss seems happy with how I'm doing at the moment."

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