Stephan Lichtsteiner arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2018 from Juventus on a free transfer.
Unai Emery chose to hand the 35-year-old a one year deal at the club and ever since Hector Bellerin has been ruled out for the rest of the season, Stephan Lichtsteiner has turned out to be a handy player for the Gunners.
During the 2018-19 season, Stephan Lichtsteiner has made 12 appearances in the Premier League and nine in other competitions like the Europa League and the domestic cups.
And given that the veteran is not a first-team regular, these are some really impressive numbers.
Stephan Lichtsteiner is out of contract at the Emirates this summer and some reports have claimed that Emery has already tabled a new one-year deal.
While most players at his would immediately sign up a contract at such a big club but it looks like Stephan has other ideas.
Stephan Lichtsteiner has made it clear that he will only sign a new deal after Unai Emery decides to reveal his future plans.
“This will need time,” he said.
“The fact that I play at a top club at the age of 35 says enough.
“There have been talks. We have to see if it suits both sides.
“I want to play on a regular basis ahead of Euro 2020 but if the manager doesn’t rely on me then I’ll need to consider my future.”
It is clear the Swiss wants more game time at the club but if he chooses to stay beyond the summer that wish might never turn into a reality.
When Hector Bellerin returns back from his injury, the Spaniard will immediately take back his place in the starting line up and Stephan Lichtsteiner might further fall down the pecking order if Emery decides to bring in a new right-back during the summer transfer window.
