Wenger expects Arshavin to leave Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Andrey Arshavin will leave the club at the end of the season.

Recent reports had suggested the Russian could be ready to retire at the end of the campaign, and Wenger has since hinted the winger will not be offered a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

“He is at the end of his contract at the end of the season and then he will decide what to do, but I don’t think he will stay here because he doesn’t play enough,” Wenger told reporters.

“I must say publicly that I give him credit. He is working absolutely every session (with) 100 percent commitment and he is an example to everybody because he has been questioned about his commitment.

“If you see him every day, you would respect him for his commitment.”

Wenger also insisted he still has confidence in club captain Thomas Vermaelen, despite the Belgium international losing his place in the side, with the coach preferring Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny in the centre of defence.

“Thomas is a great man and a fighter. His attitude has been marvellous,” Wenger said.

Meanwhile, Wenger gave his verdict on the recent breakthrough in goal-line technology after Hawk-Eye won the battle to provide the Premier League’s electronic system..

“What you want is the right decision to be made,” he said.

Arsenal are at home to Norwich in the league on Saturday.