Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed he retains an interest in Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo.

Arsenal were linked with a move for Melo last summer but he eventually joined Juventus from Serie A rivals Fiorentina.

The 26-year-old holding player has struggled to produce his best form for Juve and in December was awarded the 'Golden Bin', given by fans to the worst signing of the season.

Wenger has been tracking Melo's progress from afar and is aware of the difficulties he has encountered.

However, the Gunners manager remains an admirer of the player, who lined up for Brazil against Republic of Ireland on Tuesday and is set to go to the World Cup this summer.

"We were interested in Melo last year," Wenger said in the Daily Telegraph.

"He has not had the season that everyone predicted he would.

"But we still think he is a very talented player. We are still looking at him."