Robert Pires joins Aston Villa

Robert Pires joins Aston Villa

Aston Villa have today announced that Robert Pires will be joining the club this week, the former Arsenal man is a free agent and will join up with fellow Frenchman and Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier. The club have been in talks this week and it's has now been confirmed that the former French star will be joining.

The 37-year-old won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the 2002 Footballer of the Year prize during his six-year stint with the Gunners. Villa's assistant boss Gary McAllister is looking forward to  the Frenchman joining up at Villa and he told the club's website,  "Robert has been training at Arsenal.

"I know the boss and Arsene Wenger are very friendly and I believe he's going to join us in the next two or three days.

"It's perfect. I am sure he will arrive at the training ground in good condition.

"He's a player everyone can look up to because of what he has achieved."

Wenger keen to sign new deal

Arsene Wenger in mulling over a new deal offered to him by Arsenal, the 60 year old embarks on a new campaign starting at Liverpool this weekend is looking for their first trophy since 2005 and first Premier League title for seven seasons has stated he has a commitment to the Gunners and will be sorting out the finer details before signing. Wenger who successfully managed to keep hold of his captain Cesc Fabregas this summer who was subjected to numerous offers from Barcelona is looking to commit long term.

Wenger has announced before that he would like to finish his career off at Arsenal and now having been offered a longer deal, Arsene looks set to sign the contract within the next few weeks. Wenger also wouldn't be drawn in on whether he will make another offer for Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, having his initial bid being rejected by the Cottagers.