Arsenal made an enquiry for the player which was dismissed by Marseille.

"When you’re under Wenger, you progress and you succeed", Pires told La Provence.

"He’d succeed and progress, like all the French players who arrived at Arsenal.

"The setting is ideal, the training centre, the participation in the Champions League.

"Tactically you work a lot. And Wenger makes you work on your qualities, he is perfect."