Galatasaray 'close to Pires deal'
Galatasaray claim they are close to finalising a deal for Arsenal's France international midfielder Robert Pires.
The 31-year-old has refused a 12-month extension to his Highbury contract, which is due to expire in summer 2006.
Arsenal may decide to cash in on Pires rather than risk losing him for nothing when his deal expires.
"The agreement has not been reached yet, but we can say that we are making progress towards finalising it," said Galatasaray president Ozhan Canaydyn.
Pires has also been linked with Juventus, Valencia and Lyon and has spoken favourably about a move to Spain - or a return to France.
He joined Arsenal from Marseille in July 2000 for £6m and has scored 73 goals in 206 starts for the Gunners.
