Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Robert Pires is capable of making an impact if he makes the move to Aston Villa.
The 37-year-old midfielder, released by Villarreal at the end of last season, is believed to have been offered a six-month deal by Villa manager Gerard Houllier.
And Wenger, who signed Pires in 2000 and won two Premier League titles with the Frenchman a regular in his side, thinks the Frenchman would be a good addition to Villa’s youthful squad.
The Arsenal boss, who has allowed Pires to train with the club in a bid to maintain his fitness, told L’Equipe: “To me, before his knee injury, Pires was the best left attacking midfielder in the world.
“With us he was just flying. Even if he has lost the speed of his youth, he can still help at Aston Villa thanks to his knowledge of the game.”