Arsene Wenger has insisted Arsenal`s offer of a one-year contract to defender Lauren is not disrespectful.
The Cameroon international`s current deal runs out at the end of the season, and the 27-year-old is now free to talk to other clubs over a possible move.
Arsenal usually only offer 12-month deals to players over 30, but boss Arsene Wenger insisted: "I don`t think it shows a lack of respect."
"I highly respect Lauren and his spirit but we have not reached an agreement."
Wenger, however,
has not shut the door on a compromise and claims there is "always" room for manoeuvre in such talks.
Wenger added: "I understand where Lauren`s coming from and I can understand his position.
"But I prefer it when negotiations are secret and you only come out when it is agreed or not. When things are made public, it is much more difficult."
Lauren has been linked with a transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
But the player dismissed claims last month they had agreed a deal to sign him.
