Stephan Lichtsteiner has admitted that he wants to stay at Arsenal after his contract expires in the summer.

Manchester City's Spanish midfielder David Silva (R) takes on Arsenal's Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner (C) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on February 3, 2019. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder David Silva (R) takes on Arsenal’s Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner (C) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on February 3, 2019. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

When Stephan Lichttsteiner was signed on a free transfer from Juventus in the summer, it seemed like a decent move. Here was a player who could bring a wealth of experience to the club and if he was still playing for Juventus up until last year, he couldn’t be that bad, right?

Wrong.

He has been awful and his career at Arsenal so far has been a series of mistakes and incompetence. Against Manchester City most Arsenal fans would have preferred to see Carl Jenkinson start, such is their low opinion of Lichtsteiner.

Their instincts were right as all three of City’s goals came down his side, prompting the mild-mannered Alex Scott to tear into him.

So, it’s somewhat alarming to hear that he is angling for a stay at the club.

Speaking to the media in his home country before Sunday’s game, Lichtsteiner was asked how long his English adventure was likely to last. “If it suits both sides, I’ll stay here. Otherwise, the journey continues,” he said.

“I have always set great goals. A season in a Swiss football club at the end of my career is out of the question for me.”

He also explained why he signed for Arsenal in the first place. “I wanted to know it again and show that I can also assert myself in London,” said Lichtsteiner. 

“Arsenal have not won titles for years. Now, those in charge want to rebuild a structure that will bring years of success to the club.”

They won’t be winning another anytime soon with him in their backline, that’s for sure.