Last week it was reported that Javier Saviola´s future lies with Panathinaikos of Athens but it seems that Arsene Wenger, coach of Champions League finalist Arsenal, has stepped up his interest to sign the "Rabbit". Saviola, who was told that he has no future at FC Barcelona is excited by Arsene Wenger's renewed interest in bringing him to London.


The Barcelona forward, who played a major part in Argentina´s World Cup campaign has returned to Barcelona after spending another year on loan at FC Sevilla. It was a very successful season which was crowned with winning the UEFA Cup in a 4-0 victory over Middlesborough. But the Sevilla board could not make a move permanent due to Saviola´s high wage demands (approx. €3 mill. net per year).


Saviola intends to continue to play in La Primera Liga but a lucrative offer from Arsenal along with the high level of interest by Arsene Wenger, might convince him to change plans. Barca has no place for him and would like to offload him as soon as possible. The former U20 World Cup winner, Saviola could leave Barcelona for a reasonable transfer fee.


However, the Argentine forward has raised his value through some excellent performances with Argentina at the World Cup in Germany and FC Barcelona are aware that other clubs are also keen on Saviola´s signature. Arsenal´s arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Bolton Wanderers, Real Zaragoza, Olympique Lyon and Panathinaikos Athens have all been mentioned as potential suitors of the Argentine striker Saviola.


Saviola has returned to Barcelona after Argentina´s elimination by Germany in the World Cup quarter final and is set to meet Barca´s technical secretary Txiki Begiristain with his agent Cabrera Brizuela to negotiate his departure. A move could be very close.