Lehmann 'optimistic' over new Arsenal contract
Jens Lehmann has reiterated his desire to remain at Arsenal but he does not believe he will be joined in the Barclays Premiership by Germany team-mate Michael Ballack.
Lehmann is out of contract at the end of the season and has reportedly been offered a one-year extension by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
The former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper said: “I have spoken to Wenger about my contract renewal.
“I am optimistic we can reach an agreement considering what I have done in recent seasons and this year, but we still haven’t reached a solution because it depends on how long the agreement will be for.
“I would like to stay but I do realise that I am 36 years old and if I ask for a four-year contract I might only get two.”
Lehmann has been in impressive form for Arsenal this season despite the club going through a transitional period.
The German added: “I am particularly satisfied with my campaign so far, with the way I am playing, but not with the results the team have achieved. We are not getting the results we expected.”
Germany captain Ballack has been linked with a move to the Premiership, with suggestions the Bayern Munich midfielder had agreed terms on a four-year Bosman deal with Chelsea.
Lehmann said: “I haven’t spoken to Michael about the Premier League but I think it is highly unlikely that his destination will be Chelsea because they have (Frank) Lampard in the same position. I really don’t think they will be interested.”
Lehmann is fighting for Germany’s number one position with Bayern’s Oliver Kahn. The pair have a fractious relationship with Lehmann admitting they “get on for the good of the national team”.
The Arsenal man seems to have the edge after starring in a goalless draw against France in Paris last November.
Speaking before the national team’s friendly against Italy in Florence, he said: “I hope to play in the World Cup. I am confident after having played against France when the team played a good game.
“For me, it’s always a great occasion to play for the national team. We will see what happens tomorrow. I just hope to play a good game against a great team.”
