Marseille Bid to End Arsenal Interest in Andre Ayew

Marseille are working hard to see off interest from Arsenal in Andre Ayew by persuading the Ghana star to sign a contract extension at the Stade Velodrome.

Ayew is rated as one of the top young prospects in France and it came as little surprise when news of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s interest in the 21-year-old leaked out over the summer.

Marseille coach Didier Deschamps however was not prepared to consider cashing in on Ayew, with the midfielder under contract until 2014, and the Gunners missed a limited window to activate a release clause of €13M.

And now, despite Ayew having two and half years remaining on his current deal, Deschamps has ordered the Marseille hierarchy to ensure the French giants remain in the driving seat over the player’s future by extending his contract.

Talks are currently ongoing as Marseille look to add at least a further two years to Ayew’s contract.

The player is being offered a substantial increase in his salary along with a number of bonuses.

Ayew has been at the Stade Velodrome since 2007 and, after two seasons away from Marseille on loan, to Lorient and Arles respectively, is considered a key member of Deschamps’ squad for the current season.