Arsene Wenger remains confident that Mathieu Flamini will sign a new contract at Arsenal.
Gunners boss hopeful over new deal
Arsene Wenger remains confident that Mathieu Flamini will sign a new deal with Arsenal.
The 24-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and the likes of Juventus, Milan and Real Madrid are amongst those who are believed to have made contact with the midfielder.
As of January, Flamini was allowed to talk to any club outside the Premier League, but despite this Wenger is confident he can persuade the former Marseille man to sign a new deal at Emirates Stadium.
"We are on course there, negotiations are going well and we hope to sort that
out in April," Wenger told the club's
official website.
Flamini has become an integral member of Arsenal's side this season alongside Cesc Fabregas in central midfield.
Gilberto issue
Gilberto Silva is one of those who has suffered from Flamini's form and Wenger admits he does not know whether the Brazilian captain will remain beyond this summer.
"It's too early to say that [he will leave], it is more down to Gilberto's desire because at the moment he does not play," said Wenger.
"We will sit down together, we are adults, Gilberto is a very strong man with a big personality and he will know what he wants to do at the end of the season.
I'm happy if he stays but we'll sort it out at the end of the season.
"He's a fantastic player, a fantastic person and has a lot of credit within the group. He has a lot of quality, but his bad luck was that the team started (the season) without him and did well."
Wenger was also pleased to see Theo Walcott called into the England squad.
"He's made progress quietly and slowly, like I prefer; I don't like one-day stars," Wenger said.
"Theo has a quiet but firm determination behind his soft appearance, his young appearance, and I like that.
"He has a consistent way to behave, which is always a sign of a good career."
