Gilberto targets new deal

Experienced midfielder wants Arsenal contract

By Mark Buckingham   Last updated: 27th September 2007

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto

Gilberto: Wants to stay

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Gilberto Silva is hoping to discuss a new Arsenal contract at the end of the season.

The Brazilian's current deal expires in 2009 and the team's vice-captain is keen to stay at Emirates Stadium.

He is happy to leave negotiations until next summer, but the midfielder confirmed he is not looking to move on, having previously been linked with Juventus.

"After this year I have one more year left on my contract and we will see if I can sort it out, like we did the last time my contract was down to its last 12 months," Gilberto told the Daily Star.

"I have always said I want to stay at the club."

Ready-made player

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal have secured a bargain in the shape of Lassana Diarra.

The midfielder, who joined from Chelsea prior to the closure of the transfer window, impressed on his first Gunners start against Newcastle United in the Carling Cup, and has drawn praise from his manager.

Wenger said: "He is a ready-made player. He is ready to play at that level without any problem.

"We got him and I must say it was for a lot less than the number in the papers - just £2m."