Armand Traore says he wants to fight for his place at Arsenal rather than go out on loan.
The 18-year-old reserve team left-back is highly regarded at Emirates Stadium and has been rewarded with the first-team jersey by boss Arsene Wenger.
Traore played regularly in the Carling Cup last season - including the final defeat by Chelsea - and produced an eye-catching display in his one and only first-team appearance against Newcastle last month.
Target
The French starlet was understood to be a target of Championship side Charlton at the start of the season, who were keen to take the youngster on loan to give him some first-team experience.
But the former Monaco defender says he would rather continue his apprenticeship with the Gunners and push for a first-team place than secure a loan deal.
Traore told the club's official website: "I have spoken with the boss (Arsene Wenger) and he has said the position of official second-choice left-back is there for me.
"It doesn't mean it will be always there, though. So I must just keep trying
hard in training and when I am asked to play, just show that I can do it.
Improving
"I think I am going to stay at Arsenal and still try to keep improving every day in training.
"I wanted to do that rather than go on loan, but when I speak to the manager (in future) and he tells me that it has to be done, then of course it will be done."
ya.. should stay at arsenal