Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood today conceded that Juventus want to sign their captain Patrick Vieira,.
“I gather Juventus have made inquiries but we’re very undecided whether we are going to talk to them or not,” Hill-Wood said.
“Patrick’s aware they’ve approached us. It all very much depends on what they offer and what he wants to do.”
Vieira, whose contract expires in 2007, was on the verge of joining Real Madrid last summer, until he had a last-minute change of heart. He is reported to have requested talks with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger about his future.
“In a situation like this, you have to listen to what they say and tell the player about it,” Hill-Wood added.
“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.”
Reports in Italy suggest Juventus vice-president Roberto Bettega has been in London to table a bid for Vieira. Juventus are thought to have offered £5m plus Ghanaian midfielder Stephen Appiah.
However, it has also been suggested that the Serie A champions are prepared to go to £15m plus defender Jonathan Zebina and midfielder Enzo Maresca.
