Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira is interested in signing three players from his former club, according to Italian media.
Much of the talk surrounding Arsenal’s summer business has naturally focused on big-money incomings, but the North London giants will also complete some sales this summer, not least because their heavy spending will in part have to be financed by outgoings.
Among the players facing uncertain futures at the Emirates are players who spent the previous season out on loan, such as Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Reiss Nelson.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, all three are of interest to former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, who is now in charge of Serie A side Genoa after stints at Crystal Palace and Strasbourg.
Genoa were 17th when the Frenchman took charge, and he comfortably steered them to safety, which earned him the admiration of bigger Italian clubs. However, he signed a contract extension earlier this month and is now planning to make a splash in the market.
Vieira wants to raid Arsenal
According to the above-mentioned report, Vieira is keen to sign players with Premier League experience after seeing the success of players like Scott McTominay and Nuno Tavares in Serie A.
The Italian outlet states that forgotten Arsenal midfielder Lokonga, in particular, has caught the eye of Genoa after solid loan spells at Luton and Sevilla.
Fabio Vieira, meanwhile, is coming off a mixed loan at Porto, while Nelson had to return to Arsenal from Fulham prematurely due to a long-term injury. FootballTransfers recently revealed that Bournemouth have held talks with the Gunners for the winger.
Given that Genoa don’t have a lot of money to spend, they would favour loan moves for the trio, but Arsenal would surely prefer outright sales. It is claimed that Como, led by another former Gunner in Cesc Fabregas, are also interested in these three players.
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