Wenger plays down Pires talk

Arsene Wenger is not bothered that Villarreal are interested in Robert Pires.

Pires is free to talk to other clubs with his current deal at Highbury due to expire in the summer.

The 32-year-old, as is club policy, has only been offered a fresh one-year deal when he wants at least two.

Wenger, though, is unruffled by suggestions that Pires has held talks with Villarreal - who they meet in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final next week.

"Robert Pires was born in 1973, and arrived at Arsenal in 2000, and has six great years - we offer him one more great year," said Wenger.

"He is completely free to speak with whom he wants. I am not shocked by that and can understand that.

"I just hope that in the end, he will say 'I stay one more year at Arsenal'.

"Of course it can look disturbing, but I do not think it is because it is always in your interest to perform."