The 32-year-old's current deal expires at the end of the season and the Gunners are keen for him to commit his future.

Gallas, who was stripped of the captaincy last season after criticising team-mates, has established a solid partnership with Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of the Arsenal defence as the club looks to mount a genuine title challenge.

Arsenal have a policy of only offering their over-30s one-year contracts, but manager Arsene Wenger hopes that any issue over the length of a deal can be overcome, hinting that the rules may be relaxed in this case.

"One year? Unfortunately that is the rule here, except for the manager," he said.

"For a striker after 32 you can only give a year contract. For a centre-back you can be a bit more comprehensive with the situation. We'll see.

"I had a pre-meeting with his agents one month ago. We agreed to meet now at the beginning of the year.

"William has been amazing the whole season. He does what you dream of as a manager - he does not talk and plays well. What you respect is how well he responded when he was not captain any more.

"At some stage I considered Gallas might leave, but he's learned that being appreciated is important. The young players respect him. It is always the same in life: if you have the right attitude then people will rate you.

"He had the right attitude, that means he has maybe found appetite again for the club."

Tomas Rosicky and Abou Diaby have both signed new deals with Arsenal over the last few days.