Pires seeks transfer to Arsenal

Has Pires played his last game for Marseille?

Marseille midfielder Robert Pires is hoping to clinch a £7m transfer to Arsenal before Euro 2000.

Pires, who won a World Cup winners' medal with France in 1998, has decided to quit the French club after they narrowly avoided relegation this season.

"My manager told me he had had contacts with (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger and so far it's the best track he is following," Pires said.

"I haven't talked myself to the Arsenal people but I know that if they sign me up it will be to play on the left side in the position of Marc Overmars.

Wenger interested in Pires

"Having a coach like Wenger ensures a player will improve," said Pires. "It's obvious that Emmanuel Petit, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry are now outstanding players thanks to Wenger."

The French midfielder is keen to play in the Champions League next season, an opportunity he would be denied if he stayed at Marseille.

"When you start playing the Champions League you want to play it every year", he said.

"Because this is the best way to stay at the top." Arsenal qualified for next season's Champions League by finishing second in the premier league.

Pires, who joined Marseille from Metz in 1998, said he had learned a lot playing for the former European champions.

Having a coach like Wenger ensures a player will improve

Robert Pires

"I had one good and one bad season at Marseille. Even this year, with relegation looming over our heads, forced me to be strong mentally.

"I don't know what Marseille want to do next season. But one thing is sure, I'm not going to spend another year playing for nothing", he said.