Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could turn to Olivier Dacourt as he seeks a replacement for Patrick Vieira.
Wenger, always shrewd in the transfer market, is aware that he might even be able to push Roma into releasing Dacourt on a free transfer due to their financial problems as the Serie A outfit may want to get him off their wage bill.
Roma strongly considered approaches from Bolton Wanderers and Fulham recently, only for the player to refuse the opportunity to take up those options.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have been linked with a renewed bid for Benni McCarthy. Blues boss Jose Mourinho made a move for McCarthy earlier this summer, but he abandoned the bid as he chased a higher-profile marksman.
Bolton, Blackburn and Newcastle are also said to be considering a move for the South African who has now returned to training with Porto.