[Trim]

Bischoff Closer To Arsenal After Rejecting Werder Deal

Bundesliga side Werder Bremen have revealed that their Portugal Under-21 international, Amaury Bischoff, has turned down the offer of a contract extension - a decision thought likely to confirm his move to Arsenal.

Amaury Bischoff last week said he was on the verge of signing for Arsenal, and that eventuality has moved a significant step closer following his rejection of Werder Bremen's proposed contract extension.

Injuries blighted Bischoff's time in German football, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger - who in the past took successful gambles on the fitness of Marc Overmars and Kanu, seems undeterred. He has tracked the player for some time and clearly sees potential.

Bischoff, who is Portuguese of French descent, has said Arsenal is where his career will best develop, under Wenger's management.

He told the German title Bild: "Bremen was superb, but Arsenal is a huge opportunity for me.

"Wenger has known me since my time at Strasbourg and believes in my quality. He trusts me to be in the first team.

"Wenger has not put me under any pressure. He said, 'Take all the time you need.'"

Meanwhile Werder's managing director, Klaus-Dieter Fischer, confirmed that the club tried to hang on to the player.

"We would be happy to have Amaury, but he has decided to take up a new challenge,” Fischer told Werder's official website. "We wish him well and thank him for the past three years."

Goal.com - Arsenal - Bischoff Closer To Arsenal After Rejecting Werder Deal