Edu won't hold Arsenal to ransom, says Wenger

Arsene Wenger wants Edu to stay at Arsenal but will not see the club held to ransom over new contract negotiations.

While not ruling out the possibility of extending his stay with the Gunners beyond the end of the season when his current deal expires, the Brazilian midfielder claims he has several Spanish clubs keen on securing his services.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has indicated the Catalan club would be interested in talking to Edu, something they would be free to do in January.

The 26-year-old – who joined Arsenal from Corinthians in January 2001 – is currently out injured with a broken toe but is expected to make his return for the reserves next week before returning to first-team contention

Wenger, though, admitted should Edu again turn down the offer which the club have put together, then his position at Highbury could become untenable.

“If he doesn’t sign for us, then in January he could sign somewhere else. If he signs somewhere else, it is not an ideal situation to be in,” said Wenger.

“Therefore he might want to go before the end of the season. But I cannot decide that for him. All I can say is that we care about our players, and we care about Edu. We have shown that, and have made him an offer that he is free to accept or not to accept.

“I do not have to say much more on that because I want our negotiations to be secret and I cannot come out with every step you make in contract negotiations.

“I listen to what Edu says to me, not necessarily what always is supposed to have been said. I want him to stay, of course.”

The Arsenal boss concluded: “It always comes down to the same things, but at the moment, I don’t know.

“We have to address the situation, but we have some time, because he is under contract until the end of the season.”

Another player reported to be considering his Arsenal future is goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

The German found himself dropped in favour of Manuel Almunia following some indifferent displays and is said to be considering a move to keep him in contention for national team duty.

Wenger insisted his team selections are always based on what is best for the north Londoners and praised Lehmann for his “absolute professionalism” in the 35-year-old’s response to finding himself out of favour.

“I personally think Jens Lehman is a great goalkeeper,” said the Gunners boss. “You cannot consider whether it is in Germany’s interest or not – you make a decision because I work for Arsenal Football Club.

“I just felt Lehmann needed a refreshment, and that is why I did it. That doesn’t mean Lehmann will not be the goalkeeper for Germany in 2006. I still think he has a great chance to be the one.”

Wenger added: “I can understand his opinion. The only thing which counts in football is what is happening today and how well you respond on the pitch, and how much you show you are super professional.

“Lehman gained even more respect since I dropped him from the whole squad because he has responded to the situation with an absolute professionalism.

“He works harder and is more focused in training than ever. That shows he is a top-level competitor.”

The Premiership champions have still not looked comfortable when defending set-pieces, with Chelsea’s second goal last weekend in particular leaving the Frenchman frustrated, and he will be expecting much better when they head to Portsmouth on Sunday.

“Overall we have conceded too many goals on set pieces and we will work on them,” he said.

“On Sunday, I feel we were naïve on the second goal, it was a lack of organisation and a lack of focus. Also we were a little bit inexperienced.

“It is a problem which we will address and correct very quickly.”

Wenger has already indicated his intention to sign 21-year-old Ivory Coast defender Manu Eboue during the January transfer window, the Gunners having a “technical relationship” with Belgian First Division side Beveren.

However, the Arsenal boss suggested he was unlikely to “spend one penny” in a major move, and is certainly not about to initiate a raid on Tottenham for England centre-half Ledley King.

“Ledley King would not help [the defence] because he may not be on the market,” maintained Wenger.

“I rate him highly, and I think, personally, he is great player. But we have players like [Cesc] Fabregas, [Mathieu] Flamini, [Robbie] van Persie – and I think [Philippe] Senderos will join them – who have all come on since the beginning of the season.”