The German international goalkeeper turns 38 during November and is in the final months of his contract with the Gunners.

The Barclays Premiership club are understood to be standing firm on their policy of offering only 12-month extensions to senior players. Lehmann wants the security of a two-year deal.

There has been interest from teams overseas for Lehmann, who kept a record number of clean sheets en-route to the Champions League final last season.

Lehmann would, though, be happy to continue his stay at Arsenal should an amicable agreement be reached in negotiations with manager Arsene Wenger and club officials.

"We will talk soon, in the next week or two," said Lehmann.

"I am not frustrated, it is business.

"I have always said I would like to play at Arsenal because I think I am certainly aware the team has potential.

"I can decide to be a part [next season]. It is my decision and I have to make the decision.

"I am on a one-year contract right now, why should I really be disappointed about another year?

"It is not about one year. If I should go somewhere else, then I would go for two years, but here it is only one year.

"It is always my decision. I can stay, of course I can stay, but I have to talk before. It is a tough decision I have to make."

Lehmann watched opposite number Robert Green produce the "game of his life" as West Ham secured a 1-0 win at Emirates Stadium yesterday - a first defeat for the Gunners at their new 60,000-seater home.

Arsenal head to Newcastle tomorrow where they will be looking to make the most of any chances which come their way - unlike against the Hammers where chance after chance went begging.

Lehmann said: "You have to cope with it and can not feel sorry for yourself.

"At least we created a lot of chances. If you do not create a chance and you lose 1-0, then you have to worry, but the way we played was not that bad.

"We always have motivation to do better and today we certainly did better compared to the two last games but all that was missing was a goal or two.

"The only game we really deserved to lose in the whole season was against Liverpool last week. All the other games we made the game, we had chances, but somehow we did not manage to win.

"That is our biggest failure this season."