Ayew plays down Gunners link

Forward eyeing new deal with Marseille

Marseille starlet Andre Ayew has denied he wants to join Arsenal, revealing he would like to sign a new contract at Stade Velodrome instead.

The 21-year-old has become one of French football's hottest properties since making his Marseille debut as a 17-year-old in 2007.

The Ghana international has an €11million (£9.5m) release clause in his current contract with the Ligue 1 club that expires in 2014.

A number of top European sides have been linked with a move for the forward, with Arsenal supposedly closest to agreeing a deal.

However, Ayew has denied he is set to move to the Premier League, stating his desire to open talks over a new extended deal at Stade Velodrome that would remove the release clause.

Career path

When quizzed on supposed interest from Arsenal, Ayew told France Football: "No, I never thought about leaving. I want to stay at L'OM. A departure is not part of my career path yet.

"There were rumours, but I didn't comment. There is a right time for everything. I am fine at Marseille. But indeed it is true foreign clubs were keen to act.

"If the club wants to extend my contract and erase that clause, we will find a good moment to talk.

"It is up to the club. If the officials want to start to negotiate, it is up to them."