Valencia target Pires

Robert Pires is hugely popular among Gunners fans

Robert Pires will become Valencia's number one transfer target if former president Francisco Roig is returned to power, according to reports.

Arsenal's French international star has been a huge hit at Highbury since his £7.5m move from Marseille three years ago.

Roig claims that he has already spoken to Pires and his advisers in London.

The negotiations have been carried out through Javier Subirats, who Roid has promised to appoint as the club's sporting director if he gets re-elected this summer.

"Pires would be the key player for our project at Valencia and from what I've seen, he's very keen to play in Spain," Subirats is quoted as saying in Wednesday's Daily Mirror.

"We're ready to speak to Arsenal to negotiate a transfer.

"We would certainly be prepared to pay a lot of money."

Subirats was involved in Valencia's attempts to sign Pires three years ago but they lost out to Arsenal - where he became Footballer of the Year after helping them to the Double last season.

He has not yet recaptured his very best form since his cruciate knee ligament injury last season, but has still played a key role in the Gunners title push.

"I recommended Pires to Valencia years before he left France, but Real Madrid got in the middle, everything collapsed, and he ended up at Arsenal," added Subirats.

It is a common tactic in Spanish football to promise fans a big signing to win their vote.

The 29-year-old's current contract with Arsenal expires in 2004.

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