Seaman wants to play on, says Wilson

Bob Wilson today revealed David Seaman was determined to extend his career beyond his 40th birthday – be it at Arsenal, Manchester City or another club.

The Gunners goalkeeper, who will enter his fifth decade in September, made a stunning save from Brett Ormerod as Arsene Wenger’s men beat Southampton 1-0 in yesterday’s FA Cup Final.

But the French boss fears Seaman is not fit enough to manage another full season as the Londoners attempt to win the title back from Manchester United and bid for Champions League glory.

Wenger will tell Seaman within the next fortnight whether or not he will be Highbury number one as well as goalkeeping coach next term.

And Wilson, Arsenal’s current keepers’ coach, disclosed Seaman has his heart set on further first-team action.

Amid reports of Manchester City’s interest, Wilson said: “I finished my career at 33 but despite David being 39, going on 40, my instinct is that he’ll play on – and he wants to do that at the highest level.

“David wants to play and I don’t think a guy should be stopped.

“So I think it will boil down to whether Arsene can get him to stay against an offer he gets from Manchester City or anyone else.

“Arsene thinks David’s the best goalkeeper in the country but he wants a keeper who’ll play 60 games and have burning ambition for the Champions League and the fight with Manchester United.

“Arsene’s worried David won’t be there through the season.

“It’s a hell of a dilemma for Arsene and a terrific dilemma for David.”

Wenger is mulling over Seaman’s future again a season after making him wait until mid-July before a 12-month contract extension was finalised.

“We know David’s still at the top of his game and the best goalkeeper in England,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“But he’s 40 this year and we have to see how long he can go on for.

“I want him to stay on at Arsenal next season but I don’t know in what capacity.

“I haven’t made up my mind – but if I decide he won’t be number one, I’ll accept any decision he makes because he’s a guy I respect a lot.”

Wilson also disclosed Wenger made a passionate speech to his team last night.

“Arsene found great words to say to the players,” he added. “Arsene said ’We want you to stay together and go on and challenge Manchester United’.”

Wenger added: “It’s great to come out of the season with the cup and we have an exciting beginning of the season with Manchester United again in the Community Shield.”