Pires ready to move on

Monday 26 December, 2005

Robert Pires says he is ready to leave Arsenal as he prepares for showdown talks with Gunners boss Arsène Wenger.

With his current contract due to expire in the summer, the France international would be free to sign for another club on January 1.

"I have a meeting planned with Wenger and don't know what will come of it,” said the 33-year-old.

"If I am to stay I will do so with great pleasure, if not I'll try elsewhere. What I want is to play, even though I'm on the bench at the moment."

Pires has been offered a 12-month extension to his current deal by Arsenal, but is holding out for a two-year agreement.

Pires joined Arsenal from Marseille in July 2000 for £6m.