Yossi Benayoun today admitted he faces an uncertain future when his loan spell at Arsenal comes to an end this summer.
The 31-year-old scored in last night’s win at Wolves which moved Arsenal five points clear of fourth-placed Tottenham. But Benayoun was making only his seventh League appearance for the Gunners and is due to return to Chelsea on June 30.
He said: “I think it is difficult to speak now about the future. It is better to concentrate on the five weeks that are left and do my best for the club. I am fully committed to Arsenal and after we will see.
“After June 30, I am going back to Chelsea and then the club and I need to decide. Each one has to think what is best for them.
“I will not lie — I love Chelsea because I have a good relationship there. I didn’t play much because I had a big [Achilles] injury.
“I still have a lot of friends there I talk to every day. Of course I want them to do well but it is difficult.”
Arsene Wenger is unsure whether to extend Benayoun’s loan but the Israeli midfielder has urged the Arsenal manager to give him an extended run to show what he can do.
“When I came, I believed in myself that I could play more,” he added. “I knew there are a lot of quality players but I was ready.
“It is the job of the manager to decide who plays but because I was so patient and I always give 100 per cent it is now coming right for me.
“I came into the team and we beat Manchester City and last night we won and I scored. I really want to keep my place.”
Whether he figures in Arsenal’s run-in or not, Benayoun is backing the club to finish the season with a flourish and secure third place in the Premier League.
With Spurs engaged in an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea this weekend, they can move further ahead when Wigan visit Emirates Stadium on Monday night.
He believes Arsenal can continue an excellent run which has seen them win nine of their last 10 League games. “Five points is a big gap but we have to keep playing well and win some games,” he said.
“Next we have Wigan. They beat Manchester United so that is a warning for everyone.
“It will not be an easy game and after there is a match against Chelsea which I can’t play in. There are still a few hard games but I am sure that we will finish in the top three.”
