Che to step up Pires chase

Valencia are reportedly stepping up their attempts to prise Robert Pires from Arsenal.

The Frenchman will be out of contract at the end of the season and has yet to agree a new deal with The Gunners.

He is now entitled is to discuss a move with interested suitors and reports claim that a number of European sides have targeted the 32-year-old.

However, Pires has insisted he will give priority to Arsenal and is expected to sit down with Arsene Wenger and the Highbury top-brass to try and thrash out a new contract before the end of January.

The main sticking point is the North Londoners' reticence to hand out extended deals to their over-30s and Valencia are hoping that a lucrative two or three-year deal offer could persuade the former Marseille man to end his time in England.

Pires is likely to wait and see how Arsenal's campaign unfolds before making a definitive decision, but will have no shortage of offers for his services at the end of the season with Sevilla and Roma ready to do battle with Valencia for the French star.