Unhappy Gallas likely to leave Arsenal for Real

WILLIAM GALLAS’ relationships at Arsenal have soured and he is likely to move to Real Madrid this summer.

The France international was involved in a dispute with one of the young players at the Emirates Stadium and he has failed to patch up his differences.

That has left the defender isolated from the dressing room and manager.

“I knew the Arsenal team was young but day after day I have come to understand they really miss experience,” said Gallas in an interview with L’Equipe last month.

“We can’t always rely on Thierry (Henry) and the youngsters have to understand it. Our young players have to do more.”

Given that the 29-year-old’s ability to impart his immense experience to his younger team-mates was a key reason for his engagement at Arsenal, the tensions have diminished his value to the club.

There have also been issues with Arsenal’s medical staff. Club physios were concerned that the long commute from his Surrey home to the Gunners’ Hertfordshire training ground was aggravating the muscle injuries that have reduced him to 19 Premiership appearances this season.

Madrid have been monitoring the situation of the defender and are reportedly preparing a £15m bid.

If Arsenal do permit Gallas to leave, the funds might be diverted towards securing Florent Malouda.

The France international winger believes his time at Lyon has run its course and would turn down Juventus and Chelsea, both of whom are interested, in favour of the Gunners.

Meanwhile Jens Lehmann is ready to stay at Arsenal for another season.

The veteran goalkeeper, who will be 38 in November, was out of contract this summer, and as such could have left Emirates Stadium for free.

Although the German international had been keen for the security of a two-year extension with the Gunners, the club were understood to be only offering a 12-month deal as is their policy towards senior players.

“I will play another season for Arsenal. It is a big club with prospects. I do not have to sign for two years, it is not a problem,” Lehmann said.

‘‘It is more important for me to be playing in the Champions League next season.

“I do not want to be sitting in front of the TV on Wednesdays thinking ‘I could have been there’.”

However the Gunners are still ready to bid for Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

Other reports have linked Arsenal with a £2m summer move for Caen striker Yoan Gouffran.