Rosicky keen on Gunners stay

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky is keen to sort out a new deal at Emirates Stadium.

The Czech Republic international's current contract expires at the end of the season and he could leave on a free transfer.

Talks are ongoing between both parties and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has expressed a desire to keep the 29-year-old schemer.

Rosicky, who has seen the last 18 months blighted by injuries, is hopeful an agreement can be reached to keep him in North London.

"The situation has not changed," said Rosicky.

"The boss told me he wants me to stay, I would like to stay as well, so we will see."

Meanwhile, Rosicky accepts Arsenal need to bounce back from their weekend defeat to Chelsea.

Vital

Arsenal slipped 11 points behind Chelsea following the 3-0 defeat on Sunday and Rosicky, who came off the bench against the Blues, knows they need to respond in Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final against Manchester City to get the loss out of their system.

"The next match is vital," added Rosicky.

"After a defeat like this, you need to have a good reaction, if not it will be even more difficult.

"It will be very tough to win the title now, we know that, but [to let the season fall apart now] would be the biggest mistake we can make.

"The only thing you can do is carry on and try your best again."

Rosicky conceded it was difficult to cope without the loss of striker Robin van Persie for the game with Chelsea.

Difficult

"It is difficult with Robin out, but I thought this game was the chance for other players to step in," noted Rosicky.

"The Sunderland match was probably a collective burnout, but then against Standard Liege in the Champions League on Tuesday we were much better and won comfortably.

"We tried to play our usual football against Chelsea, but they defended very well and in the final third we produced almost nothing - that was the main reason we lost."

Rosicky admits Chelsea will be hard to stop in the race for the title as they currently hold a five-point lead over nearest challengers Manchester United.

"If Chelsea continue to play like that, then it will be difficult for anyone to stop them," said Rosicky.

"But everything can still happen - they will lose some players to the African Nations Cup, and could get some injuries."