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Arsenal join growing list to sign Portugal midfielder

26/06/2008

Arsenal are chasing Portugal star Miguel Veloso, according to the midfielder's agent.

The Sporting Lisbon midfielder has attracted interest from a host of clubs including AC Milan, Juventus, and Manchester United.

Now the Gunners have contacted Veloso's agent, Paulo Barbosa, to register their interest in the 22-year-old.

Sporting have set a £23.7million buy-out clause in Veloso's contract, but Barbosa believes that will not be a stumbling block to a possible deal.

"If they argue that value that would mean the youngsters would never the club," Barbosa said.

"Actually, we did not have normal contact from the Arsenal board, but from a member of the technical staff at the club.

"At the moment there is not a formal offer yet, but it is possible that will happen soon as Juventus and AC Milan have shown an equal interest in the player."

Veloso is seen as the ideal replacement for Mathieu Flamini, who left the Gunners to join AC Milan.

The midfielder played for Portugal in their 2-0 loss to Switzerland in the group stages of Euro 2008, with Luiz Felipe Scolari's side being dumped out by Germany in the quarter-finals.

Manchester United have been linked with a £40 million swoop for Veloso and his Lisbon team-mate Joao Moutinho, according to reports.