Toure wants to be at Arsenal for life

Toure, 27, has increased in stature every year since Arsene Wenger first signed him six years ago, and there are even whispers that he is set to replace William Gallas as captain next season.

“When I put the shirt on it means a lot of things for me. I will be so glad to finish my career here. At the moment everything is going well," the inexhaustible Ivory Coast defender told The Sun.

“We had a great season and played some fantastic games. But we(Arsenal) went away without any trophies - and that’s a big, big thing for us.

“The team are still really strong, the club are still really strong and the manager is doing a great job.”

Toure's absence was keenly felt in February when he went away to represent Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations. Some would even go as far as saying that his absence and subsequent injury was a key reason for the wheels coming off the Gunners' title charge in a major way.