Juve's Bid for Paddy Confirmed

Like I've said before, it just wouldn't be summer without some speculation on Patrick's future. We'll have to wait and see....story from sportinglife.com...

Arsenal have confirmed Juventus' interest in Patrick Vieira and will listen to what the Italian giants have to offer.

French World Cup winner Vieira, 29, was a summer target for Real Madrid last year but stayed at Highbury and led the club to FA Cup glory.

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood revealed a decision has yet to be reached on Vieira's future but his "gut feeling" is that the Gunners will want him to stay.

The matter will be discussed at a board meeting later this month.

"I gather they (Juventus) have made inquiries but we are very undecided as to whether we are going to talk to them or not," Hill-Wood told the Daily Star.

"Patrick is aware they have approached us and it all very much depends on what they offer and what he wants to do.

"In a situation like this, you have to listen to what they say and tell the player about it.

"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."

Hill-Wood denied Vieira had lost his edge and insisted the midfielder was still highly rated by manager Arsene Wenger.

"He had a fantastic season. People say he wasn't as good as before but I don't think so. He played 44 games for us and Arsene Wenger is not going to pick him 44 times if he doesn't rate him as a player any more."