Pires turned down Chelsea

Robert Pires revealed today that he rejected the chance to join Chelsea during the summer.

The Arsenal midfield player received the approach through an intermediary last May while taking a break before the Confederations Cup tournament in France. But he turned down the move and went on to negotiate a new three-year deal with Arsenal.

"They made me a proposition," said Pires ahead of tomorrow's visit of Chelsea to Highbury.

"They wanted to sign me, but I preferred to stay at Arsenal. It was an easy decision to make because I love playing for Arsenal. I always wanted to stay at the club."

The approach was made before Roman Abramovich took control of Chelsea, sparking a spending spree that Pires believes may turn out to be a mixed blessing for a team who now lead the Premiership on goal difference from Arsenal.

"With the number of quality players who have come to the club, Chelsea have made it clear how much they want to win the championship. That is positive for the players and positive for supporters. It shows ambition.

"However, you also have big players who are used to being first choice and everyone wants to play. That is normal. For the moment everything is going well. but the problems may come when Chelsea lose a game, when they suffer a defeat."

Pires also revealed that he approached Arsene Wenger earlier this season to discuss his own form after being dropped for the games against Manchester United and Newcastle.