Lazio striker Mauro Zarate has dismissed speculation linking him with a return to the English Premier League.

The 22-year old Argentina international, who enjoyed a loan spell with Birmingham in 2008, has recently been linked with a number of English clubs with Arsenal leading the way but he insists he is staying put in Rome to remain with Lazio.

"I am telling the truth. I have not read anything. If I had, I would have replied," he said.

"I will never leave Lazio.

"Avoiding relegation and doing well in the Coppa are our priorities," added Zarate.

"It is a bad period for us and we clearly have to improve. Winning the Coppa Italia would be great though."