Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Hassan Rashed

Stephan Lichtsteiner set for Arsenal transfer exit after Europa League final

Stephan Lichtsteiner is set to leave Arsenal after the Europa League final, with the defender admitting that it would be "quite difficult to stay" at the north London club.

The 35-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Gunners after his free transfer from Juventus last summer but has made started just 19 games for Unai Emery's side this season.

Despite being brought to the club to act as cover for first-choice right-back Hector Bellerin, the Switzerland international has seen his playing time further limited by Ainsley Maitland-Niles' impressive displays in that role.

Although Arsenal have the option to extend Lichtsteiner's deal by another 12 months, the Evening Standard reports that the defender is likely to be released after the Gunners' final game of the season.

Stephan Lichtsteiner has started just 19 games for Arsenal this season (Julian Finney)

Arsenal transfer Unai Emery completed that Arsene Wenger refused to sanction

“I see it being quite difficult to stay but we are going to see what happens,” Lichtsteiner told the paper.

“I don’t know anything. The only important thing is the Europa League Final now.

“I really want to win this cup and bring this club back to the top level, back to the Champions League and winning important titles.”

Arsenal need to beat London rivals Chelsea in Baku to qualify for the next season's Champions League after failing to finish in the top four.

Arsenal beat Valencia to reach the Europa League final (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal legend tells Unai Emery the three players he must sign in transfer window

Emery's side ended the season fifth, one point behind Tottenham , after managing just one win from their final five Premier League games.

“It is hard,” Lichtsteiner continued. “Five weeks ago, we were in the perfect situation. We gave too many easy points in our away games.

"We were also a little bit unlucky but we have to ask more from ourselves.

"At the end, of course, with so many games and the Europa League and everything, we lost a bit of energy in the last games.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.