Arsenal Dealt Blow in Dual Defender and Striker Chase

Le Havre full back Benjamin Mendy has admitted he is flattered by Arsenal's interest but insists he is happy to remain in France for the time being.

Mendy, 17, was linked with a switch to the Emirates in the summer but the club failed to agree a deal with the youngster and he eventually signed with the Ligue 2 club.

And the France Under-17 international, who has made six appearances for Le Havre this season, revealed he is not thinking about a move to Arsenal just yet and remains determined to honour his contract at Le Havre, which expires in 2014.

"There was interest from a lot of clubs. I know Arsenal were one," Mendy told L'Equipe.

"But I have a sensible head on my shoulders. I am still living at the education centre here with my friends who play for the reserves. I have not changed.

"After Le Havre, I would like to spend two seasons in Ligue 1 and then go to England. I would then like to go to Barcelona, where my idol Dani Alves plays."

Meanwhile, Anderlecht forward Matias Suarez has quashed speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal in January.

Suarez, who was recently named the first South American to claim the Gouden Schoen award for the best footballer in Belgium, remains adamant he will honour his contract at Anderlecht.

"I want to, at the least, finish the job that I've started and that is helping the team to win the title, which is what everyone deserves," he told Belgian newspaper De Standaard. http://www.standaard.be/

"I don't know where the story has come from that I will be joining Arsenal this winter, but I can formally deny it.

"My bosses are well aware of what I want and that is to stay at Anderlecht for now. I'm still learning, and that's another reason I don't want to leave."