Wenger: We want to keep Gallas, for sure

Manager Arsène Wenger has said that the club are determined to keep defender William Gallas at the club, after rumours linking the French international to Italian club Roma surfaced.

Gallas' contract has yet to be renewed by Wenger, who insists that negotiations are taking place, and that the club are willing to relax their over-30's rule for Billy G.

The former Chelsea player has formed a strong partnership with new recruit Thomas Vermaelen this season, but was injured in the 1-0 win over Liverpool in February and Wenger says that he will not be rushed back into action.

Wenger said: "The scan showed nothing major, but every time he starts to push a little bit he falls back so it has not completely healed.

"Calves sometimes are a mystery. It came back twice. It's that the injury is much worse, it's that we have to be cautious with it. We pushed him a bit and he was in a hurry. But we have to be cautious this time, to take a little bit more time than we would do.

"France shouldn't be worried for [the World Cup in] June, it's minor. He has no fibre damage, he has a bit of pressure between two muscles.

"You [the media] can link him with who you want, because he is out of contract and can talk to whom he wants.

"I do not know if he has spoken to Roma but he is speaking to us and our desire is to keep him here.

"I think he wants to stay here, all the rest is difficult to know whether it is true or not.

"I am not concerned. He [Gallas] is under contract until the 30th June. We have not found an agreement yet. I will meet his agents again next Thursday and we will try to find a solution.

"I would like to keep all that secret. It is very difficult for me to come out [and discuss the contract talks]. I feel I have to respect both parties and not to come out about the details of negotiations.

User Comments

User Comments

• Got something to say?
• Read comments

Vs chelsea