Arsene Wenger Leaves Door Open for Lukasz Fabianski Stay

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed Lukasz Fabianski is set to leave the club at the end of the season but is willing to hand the goalkeeper a new contract should he have a change of heart.

The 28-year-old shot stopper revealed his intention to leave the Gunners at the end of his current deal earlier this month having failed to command a first team role during his seven years in north London.

The Polish shot stopper has played second fiddle to compatriot Wojciech Szczesny throughout the season but recently shone when handed a first team role in Arsenal's FA Cup victory over Liverpool last weekend before stepping in when the Gunners' first choice was shown a red card in Wednesday's Champions League loss to Bayern Munich, performances which enthused his manager.

"Of course it's a possibility that it is his last campaign with us," Wenger told reporters on Friday when asked of Fabianski's future.

"Because he wants to play somewhere else but if he changes his mind, my door is open."

It would seem that Fabianski's mind is made up however. Having made just 12 first team appearances over the last two seasons the shot stopper realises he must move on to re-launch his international prospects.

"I want to be number one in the club and in the Polish national team. I have learned a lot at London during very positive and challenging periods," Fabianski was quoted as saying at the beginning of February.

"With biggest respect to this great club, I didn't accept the extension offer as I am looking forward to a new challenge in England or abroad."

Although Sczesny is expected to start in Arsenal's Premier League clash against Sunderland this Saturday, Fabianski is almost certain to return to the first team for his side's return leg against Bayern in Munich, where the Gunners are faced with the improbable task of overturning a two goal deficit.