The Portugal international has courted interest from a number of top clubs around Europe, with Manchester United, AC Milan and Juventus all linked with the player.

And Veloso's agent, Paulo Barbosa claims that Arsenal can now be added to that list saying: "Actually, we did not have normal contact from the Arsenal board, but from a member of the technical staff at the club."

He added: "At the moment there is not a formal offer yet, but it is possible that will happen soon as Juventus and AC Milan have shown an equal interest in the player."

A potential stumbling block in the sale of Veloso is the fact he has a contract with Sporting until 2013, although the player claimed earlier this month that he is open to offers to move abroad.

And Barbosa believes Sporting are willing to sell one of the most prized assets if the price is right.

He added: "He (Veloso) is on holiday, now. Sporting Lisbon has not commented just yet, but until a formal offer is made that is perfectly normal.

"As long as there is a good offer for both parties - the club and Veloso - then negotiation can be done for sure.

Reports suggest that Sporting Lisbon have set a 30 million euros buy-out clause in Veloso's contract. Despite that, Barbosa does not believe the club will stand in the way of a young player leaving the club.

"The buy-out clause is another issue," Barbosa added. "If they argue that value that would mean the youngsters would never the club."