Pires says Villarreal want to sign him on two-year deal

MADRID, Apr 20 (Reuters) Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires says that Champions League semi-final opponents Villarreal are trying to sign him on a two-year deal when his contract with the London club expires at the end of the season.

''Villarreal want me for the next two seasons,'' the 32-year-old Frenchman was quoted as saying in Spanish sports daily AS after his side's 1-0 victory in the first leg at Highbury yesterday.

''The most important thing at the moment is for me to help Arsenal get into the final. After that if I have to talk to the people from Villarreal I will.

''They are a great team and I like Spain and the Spanish league.'' Pires, who joined Arsenal from Marseille in 2000, has been offered a one-year extension to his deal by the Premier League side and manager Arsene Wenger says he wants the player to stay at the club.

Spanish media have reported that Villarreal are also trying to sign Real Sociedad's Turkish striker Nihat Kahveci to strengthen their squad next season.

REUTERS DH HT1424