Stephan Lichtsteiner: Arsenal deal not done yet

Arsenal transfer target Stephen Lichtsteiner has revealed that the deal to take him to the Emirates Stadium is far from complete.

The Swiss international has been a mainstay in the Juventus side over the last seven campaigns having chalked up more than 200 appearances in Serie A.

It has been widely reported that he is on the verge of a move to join Unai Emery at Arsenal, but the player has insisted that a prospective deal is not yet close.

The player held talks last week at the club's London Colney training ground as a move looked close but it appears that there are some details yet to be sorted out.

During his time in Turin, the right-back has won seven league titles and Arsenal are keen to add his experience and trophy winning nous to a dressing room that has lacked that sort of know-how in recent seasons.

The player has not denied that a move is likely but affirmed that any claims of a deal already being agreed were inaccurate.

"Nothing is finished yet," he told reporters, according to the Standard, in Switzerland.

"I cannot comment on the negotiations.

"As long as nothing is completed, that is always interesting in football. I think we all know that."

It is thought that the defender has been offered a one year deal with an option for a 12-month extension. Lichtsteiner will likely act as cover for Hector Bellerin, giving the squad some much-needed depth in key positions.

He will also bring leadership to a dressing room that has, at times, appeared to be lacking in that department.

Arsenal finished last season in a disappointing sixth place, 12 points outside the top four and with a dreadful record away from the Emirates after new year.

Unai Emery is hoping to strengthen the Arsenal defence and midfield ahead of the new Premier League season with the aim being to reclaim a top-four place.

Lichtsteiner added that he did not know whether the deal would be complete before Switzerland start their World Cup campaign against Brazil on 17 June.