AS Roma officials are believed to be in London trying to hijack Arsenal's attempts to keep William Gallas at the club.
Gallas is due to fall out of contract in the summer and unless the Gunners can get him tied down to a new deal before then the Frenchman will be able to leave on a free transfer.
The chances of Gallas signing look slim because reports claim, although he is being offered a two-year deal, it will be on reduced wages, and the player is not happy.
News of Roma's interest is sure to appeal and officials from the Italian club are reported to be in London speaking to the player's advisors.
Roma boss Claudio Ranieri is keen to do a deal though and would like to be re-united with him after snapping him up when manager of Chelsea some years ago.
"I signed him when I was in charge at Chelsea and he has done well both for them and Arsenal," Ranieri revealed. "He is a top-level player and all top players are welcome at Roma."