An Exception To His Rule?

Arsene Wenger has hinted that he will make and exception to his own rule to keep Pires at Arsenal.

Pires has previously been offered a one year extension to his contract but has been holding out for an extra year, with the pair agreeing to talk about it in Janurary.

Wenger’s policy has always been to offer only one year contracts to players over the age of 30, but now it appears he has changed his sheet music.

‘Robert is an important player, and has done tremendously well for us,’ said the Arsenal manager.

‘He has always been a big part of our team.

‘He is in and out [of the team] but you expect that during this period, and at that age sometimes as well you need a breather.’

‘In January, we will sit together. We will try to have a good chat.’

When asked about his one year policy, Wenger said ‘Up to now, yes but you can always have exceptions.’