Robert Pires to join Aston Villa

Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires is to join Aston Villa later this week.

The 37-year old former French international is a free agent following his release from Villareal in the summer and has been training with Arsenal in order to maintain his fitness.

"Robert has been training at Arsenal. I know the boss and Arsène Wenger are very friendly and I believe he's going to join us in the next two or three days," said the Villa assistant manager, Gary McAllister.

"It's perfect. I am sure he will arrive at the training ground in good condition.

"He's a player everyone can look up to because of what he has achieved."

Pires scored 62 goals in 189 appearances for Arsenal during his six years in North London and scored 14 goals in 79 appearances for the French national team.