valencia-soccer news

Lehmann agrees new one-year deal

Although the German has yet to put pen to paper on the deal, Wenger considers the matter completed.

"It is not signed yet, but it is agreed," Wenger said. "I consider that to be done."

Another player who is out of contract in the summer is midfielder Pires.

Arsenal have a policy of not offering more than a one-year, rolling deal to senior players, as was adopted in the past with veteran striker Dennis Bergkamp.

But at 32, French World Cup winner Pires is holding out for a longer offer.

The likes of Rangers, Benfica and Valencia are said to be monitoring the situation.

Wenger is, however, keen to retain Pires' services for when the club move into their new 60,000 Emirates Stadium.

The Arsenal boss commented: "There is no news. I hope to have some soon, but there is nothing at the moment.

"He is in a situation where he can afford to talk to everybody.

"Robert knows he has me available because he knows I want him to stay.

"Maybe he listens to offers and waits for a moment when he is ready to make a decision.

"For me the sooner the better."