Arsenal were reported today to have joined Manchester United and Inter Milan in the chase for Brazil World Cup star Ronaldinho who is keen for a move from Paris St Germain.
The 22-year-old striker, who has not played for Paris for four weeks after a succession of mysterious illnesses since returning from a mid-season break in Brazil, said two weeks ago he would be keen to play for Inter.
He has also been consistently linked with a summer move to Manchester United.
But Arsenal were now planning an €17million bid for the player, according to The Sunnewspaper.
Ronaldinho sent England crashing out of the World Cup with a freak quarter-final strike that caught Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman horribly out of position.
The striker was then sent off following a late tackle on England defender Danny Mills but returned for the final.
Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto Assis, claims Manchester United and Inter Milan have already made contact.
But he insists that no deal is in place for the striker, who cost €6.5 million when he moved from Brazilian side Gremio Porto Alegre to Paris in 2001.
Paris coach Luis Fernandez has put Ronaldinho on a special fitness course and said he could not sit out the rest of the season.
"We need Ronaldinho at 100 per cent," he added.
PA