Arsenal have admitted for the first time that Juventus have made a move to sign captain Patrick Vieira.
Highbury chairperson Peter Hill-Wood said the club might sell the 29-year-old, whose contract expires in 2007.
”I gather Juventus have made inquiries, but we’re very undecided whether we are going to talk to them or not,” Hill-Wood told the Daily Star.
”Patrick’s aware they’ve approached us. It all very much depends on what they offer and what he wants to do.”
Vieira, who was the subject of a large bid from Real Madrid last summer, is reported to have demanded talks with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to hammer out his future.
”In a situation like this, you have to listen to what they say and tell the player about it,” added Hill-Wood.
”It would be very, very difficult to replace Patrick. We have a board meeting in about a week’s time and I am sure we will discuss it then.
”We have not decided what we want to do, but my gut feeling is we would very much like him to stay.”
It has been reported in Italy that vice-president Roberto Bettega has been in London to meet with Gunners chiefs.
It has also been suggested the Serie A champions are prepared to go to £15-million plus defender Jonathan Zebina and midfielder Enzo Maresca.
Juve are also rumoured to be keen on a move for Arsenal winger Robert Pires (31), who is growing frustrated that he is only being offered a one-year extension to his deal.
The club’s general manager, Luciano Moggi, admitted he had been in London on business last week but refused to comment on which player they were interested in.
”There have never been any negotiations over Vieira. I went to London for other players, not Vieira,” he said.
”Yes, I met with Arsene Wenger, but that’s because he’s a friend of mine — not to discuss Vieira’s transfer.”
Spanish giants Real Madrid are also reported to have re-entered the race to sign Vieira after Steven Gerrard decided to stay at Liverpool. — Sapa-AFP