 Pires joined Arsenal from Marseille for �6m in 2000 |
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has played down concerns about Robert Pires being offered a two-year deal by Champions League semi-final opponents Villarreal. Pires is out of contract at Highbury during the summer with Wenger only prepared to give the 32-year-old a one-year contract.
"He is completely free to speak with whom he wants. I am not shocked by that and can understand that," said Wenger.
"I just hope that in the end, he will say 'I stay one more year at Arsenal'."
Arsenal will play Villarreal on Tuesday in the second leg of their Champions League tie with the Premiership club leading 1-0.
Pires revealed the Spanish side's offer after the first leg but Wenger does not believe the situation will have an impact on the performance of his midfielder.
Wenger added: "Of course it can look disturbing, but I do not think it is because it is always in your interest to perform."
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