Saint-Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi admits he could be on his way to Arsene Wenger's Arsenal. Matuidi said last night: "I asked myself questions at the end of August after Arsenal showed their interest.

"An opportunity to join them is not something ordinary. It gives you great self-esteem - it's Arsenal. I did not talk with Wenger - but I did not get angry that St Etienne did not let me go.

"At the end of the season we will have talks. Anything is possible."

St Etienne president Roland Romeyer said his club gave Wenger the cold shoulder when the Gunners chief made an inquiry about Matuidi.

But he left the door open for a deal at the end of this season.

Romeyer said: "Wenger called me at the end of August to ask if Blaise was for sale. He didn't make an offer as Blaise was not for sale.

"Next June we will have a meeting with Blaise and his agent about his future."