Arsenal Future Uncertain For Lichtsteiner

By Max Wise

Arsenal’s Switzerland defender Stephan Lichtsteiner says he is not sure whether he will remain at the club beyond the end of this season.

The 35-year-old joined Arsenal from Italian champions Juventus on a free transfer at the start of the 2018/2019 season and has gone on to make 21 appearances in all competitions.

Most of Lichtsteiner’s appearances have been in the cup competitions, with Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland Niles ahead of the Switzerland captain in the pecking order.

Talks have already began with regards to Lichtsteiner estending his stay at the club but the former Lazio defender wants assurances over playing time before he commits to a new deal.

Lichtsteiner will be hoping to compete at his third European Championships with Switzerland next summer, and he believes regular playing time will make him a regular fixture in manager Vladimir Petkovic’s plans despite his age.

"This will need time. The fact that I play at a top club at the age of 35 says enough. There have been talks [with Arsenal]. We have to see if it suits both sides," he told Neue Zurcher Zeitung.

"Arsenal is a big club, I feel very happy. But I want to play regularly with regard to the European Championships.

"It was okay this year. But if the coach says that he no longer counts on me, I have to worry."