United defender unfazed by Arsenal interest

Newcastle United defender Sebastien Bassong has stated that he has been offered a new contract to which he is yet to agree to terms to, but insists that he has nothing to complain about at the moment.

The £500,000 summer arrival from French outfit FC Metz also clarified that even though he is aware of Arsenal's interest in him, he still feels he has a lot to learn at Newcastle United before he can move on to pastures new, as he considers himself to be an apprentice, rather than the finished article.

Speaking to the The Sun, the 22-year-old Frenchman said: "Newcastle want me to sign a contract extension but nothing has yet been agreed. It`s down to me to weigh up the pros and the cons. I`ll take time to make up my mind. I heard people talk about Arsenal being interested in me. I`m not too bothered about whether it is fact or fiction.

"I know that there must be something in it, even though this is not the time to talk about it. I have stepped up a level since joining Newcastle but I am still serving my apprenticeship. I have lots more to learn.

"A new life has begun for me here. I have signed a deal until 2011 and from a personal perspective I have nothing to complain about."

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