Wenger insists he will remain loyal to Arsenal

The Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, has confirmed his commitment to the club following the latest reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

Wenger responded to claims yesterday by the agent Marc Roger that the Frenchman wants to take over in Madrid. But Wenger made his position clear in a statement: "It is simple. I am committed to Arsenal and will not get involved in any of this speculation."

His declaration follows reports that he was wanted by Real to replace Vicente del Bosque. Arsenal said earlier this week they were "not perturbed" by the reports. A club statement on Tuesday added: "Arsène himself has reiterated his commitment to the club on a number of occasions and we see no reason to pass further comment."

It was reported that Wenger had met the Real president Florentino Perez, Real's director of sport Jorge Valdano and Roger in the departures lounge at Orly airport in Paris last Friday and that the party then adjourned to a hotel. Wenger said at the time: "I met lots of people on Friday."

Del Bosque's current deal expires in the summer and, after the club were eliminated by Juventus in the Champions' League semi-finals, Real put contract talks on hold.

Meanwhile, Wenger could still have David Seaman at his disposal next season. The goalkeeper could sign a new one-year deal at Arsenal after all, provided he receives assurances he will be given every chance to prove he is still No 1 at Highbury.

Wenger wants Seaman to take over from Bob Wilson as the goalkeeping coach and also wants to retain his registration as a player, ideally as a back-up to any new signing while Stuart Taylor, 22, is still being groomed for the first-team job.

Yesterday Tottenham denied making a bid for Seaman. "This report is totally without foundation. We have had no contact with anyone about Seaman," said David Pleat, their director of football.

Spurs are also being linked with a bid for the West Ham striker Freddie Kanouté, but would almost certainly be put off by a likely £5m asking price.

Teddy Sheringham, released by Spurs when his contract ended at the conclusions of the season, is a target for Portsmouth.