Wenger determined to keep Roma target Gallas as Arsenal plan talks

Contract rebel: William GallasArsene Wenger will sit down next week with William Gallas in an attempt to thrash out a new contract.The 32-year-old France international is running down his existing deal with Arsenal and will be a free agent at the end of June.Talks have been ongoing for some time but Wenger is hopeful they will reach a conclusion in the near future.It is believed that the Arsenal will break their unofficial rule of only offering one-year deals to players over 30, though Wenger would not confirm details of the negotiation. However, the boss did reiterate his keenness to see the centre half remain at the Emirates Stadium.'Our desire is to keep William here and I think he wants to stay,' said Wenger.'He's under contract until June but we have not found an agreement yet.'I will meet his agent again next Thursday and try to find a solution.' Roman emperor: Claudio Ranieri rallies his Roma troopsSerie A side Roma are keen to sign Gallas and are free to discuss terms because the defender has fewer than six months to run on his contract. However, his wage demands could be a barrier to a deal which would see him reunited with his former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri.But Wenger would only say: 'William is free to speak to other clubs but this information is difficult to check as to whether or not it's true.' Emmanuel Eboue on Roma radar as talks with Arsenal defender William Gallas stallArsenal face tug of war to take £3.5m Brazil teen Wellington from FluminenseArsenal star Campbell ready for shock England recall to fix Capello's crisisLEO'S LONDON: John Terry must not follow Frank Lampard's path if he is to rise above the hate mobARSENAL FC

Source: Daily_Mail