Vito Mannone has denied that he wants to go back to Italy, saying he wants to remain at Arsenal for as long as he can.

The goalkeeper has been standing in for injured regular Wojiech Szczesny, and has impressed with his performances so far, appearing seven times in all of the competitions. He also let in no goals at Liverpool and Stoke City.

However, it has been rumoured that Mannone, who was signed to Arsenal from Italian club Atalanta, could be going back to Italy.

However, he dismissed speculation that his contact ends in a year, and says that there are no doubts over his future.

Speaking to Arsenal Player, he said: "I want to make it clear, because there have been unfounded rumours, that my contract is not ending in 12 months. 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."

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Mannone has also been talking about how he would like to break into the senior side for his national team Italy. He has appeared for Italy's under-21 side, but while he appreciates the benefits of an international break, he would love to be playing for his country.

He said: "Obviously it is a dream for everybody to play for your country and I wish that one day I can join the senior team. But at the same time, it is great (to have an international break) because if you have any knocks and injuries it gives us the time to recover."

Despite loan spells at Barnsley and Hull City, Mannone has been at Arsenal since 2005. He has recently said that he believes he could challenge Szczesny for the spot as Arsenal's No 1 goalkeeper.