Arsene Wenger: "David Beckham has fantastic quality"

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has declared that David Beckham is serving as a superb role model for his younger players during a training stint with the club.

Beckham has joined the Gunners to maintain fitness as he considers his next career move after leaving Los Angeles Galaxy in December.

Wenger is adamant that he does not want to sign Beckham but has revealed that he likes the positive influence has has on the squad while training at London Colney.

He told the club's official website: "He's fantastic, that's one of the reasons I have him here. Beckham is in early in the morning and always does good work.

"The young English players look at him and take his advice on board. He gives positive advice.

"He has fantastic quality because he has done the maximum in his career. Why? Because he loves football. He is out there before training and after training he stays and plays. He is such a good example to look at."

The 37-year-old is expected to make a decision over his future in the next week.