Arsenal Eyeing Veloso, Fabregas Extension - Report

Rumours have resurfaced linking the London club with a move for former Manchester United target, Sporting Lisbon ace Miguel Veloso.

The Portuguese international could prove to be a direct replacement for Mathieu Flamini in midfield alongside Fabregas.

While his style of play is not quite of the same tempo as Milan-bound Flamini, his superior technique on the ball proves to be a bonus for a defensive player.

Also able to play in defence - where infamously proud manager Arsene Wenger himself has even admitted his team are a little short - Veloso's versatility could prove another added perk.

Still only 22 years of age, the Sporting star is just about the right age for Wenger but, as is so often the case with the Gunners, Veloso's asking price is said to be beyond what they are willing to pay.

£16 million is the figure being quoted in various sections of the press, and while Manchester United's interest seems to have waned in recent months, Chelsea are said to still be in the hunt and, should a transfer race hot up, interest from Spanish and Italian sides is guaranteed to make the transfer saga much more competitive.

A lot will hinge on the player's performances at Euro 2008. If he can win a starting place in Luiz Felipe Scolari's side as many expect, this could well be the stage on which he makes his name and justifies his pricetag. However, with such a spotlight comes added competition, and in a financial war with the likes of the rest of European football's heavyweights, Arsenal usually find themselves - whether by choice or not - a few million short of contention.

In other news, Cesc Fabregas' new agent Darren Dein - son of former vice-president, David - will look to press the Gunners for an improved contract with the club.

The Telegraph reports that despite the Spanish playmaker already being signed until 2014, an improved deal will be needed - and indeed pushed by Dein - in order to keep potential suitors such as Spanish champions Real Madrid at bay.

Initial talks began earlier this year, only for Fabregas to sack former agent Joseba Diaz and replace him with Dein.

Chet Winter, Goal.com