Wenger might relax contract 'rule' for Gallas

By Richard Clarke

Arsène Wenger has hinted he may relax his well-established “over-30s” rule to keep William Gallas at Arsenal next season.

The centre back has had an exceptional year since losing the captaincy amid controversial circumstances in November 2008.

His partnership with Thomas Vermaelen has been at the heart of Arsenal’s revival during December however the pair could be broken up if Gallas is allowed to leave in summer when he contract expires.

Wenger has already had preliminary discussions with the player’s agent and further meetings are scheduled this month.

The manager normally refuses to give a player over the age of 30 more than a 12-month deal. However, speaking before the game with Bolton, he suggested that rule might be bent for Gallas.

“Yes unfortunately that is the rule here,” said Wenger. “But for a centre back you can be a bit more comprehensive with the situation. For a striker after 32 you can only give a year. For a defender, we’ll see.

“I had a pre-meeting with his agents one month ago. We agreed to meet now at the beginning of the year.”

Certainly, Wenger feels Gallas has the aptitude and, more importantly, the attitude to continue his three-and-a-half year stay at Emirates Stadium.

“For me William has been amazing the whole season,” remarked the manager.

“He does what you dream of as a manager – he does not talk and plays well.

“He is an ambitious guy and, when he is 50:50, he plays. For example at West Ham on Sunday, even when he is half-injured with a muscular problem and the physios tell me he might not play, he comes in and tells me he can play.

“I have a big respect for what he has done. He wanted to do well as a captain [as well] but what you respect in these situations is how well he responded when he was not captain anymore.

“At some stage he have might considered [leaving]. But it is always the same in life, if you have the right attitude then people will rate you. It is a credit to him.

“He had the right attitude and maybe now he has maybe found an appetite for the Club again.”

[Wednesday, January 06, 2010]

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