Jens: My shock at being axed

Arsenal have been linked with a £3million move for Carlo Cudicini in next month's transfer window, but the Italian has vowed to stay at Chelsea and fight for his place.

Cudicini has been a peripheral figure since the arrival of Petr Cech in the summer, making just three appearances in the Carling Cup and one in the Champions League. The 31-year-old would walk straight into the starting line-up at Arsenal, who have struggled to find a reliable stopper since David Seaman retired, but is reluctant to end his five-year stay at Chelsea.

A friend of the player said: "Carlo is playing his part in a squad that seemed destined for unprecedented success and will not simply give up.

"All it takes is an injury or a mistake from Cech and he'll be back in the side. At the end of the season he could win the Champions League and Premiership so is not going to walk away."

Cudicini will address the situation at the end of the season and Chelsea accept he is likely to leave if he is unable to displace Cech. However, he has indicated privately he would be reluctant to join Chelsea's main rivals, Arsenal or Manchester United.