Arsenal set to swoop for World Cup winner Thuram as Barca look to show him the door

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Reports in Spain suggest the 36-year-old French defender could be one of those to face the chop as coach Frank Rijkaard looks to bring through the next generation at the Nou Camp.

Thuram, who scored a vital equaliser against Croatia in the 1998 World Cup semi-final and played a crucial role in the final defeat of Brazil, was seriously linked with a move to the Gunners before joining Barca in 2006 as fellow Frenchman Arsene Wenger has a very close relationship with France's record caps holder.

• VIDEO: World Cup '98 - France v Croatia

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French leave: Barcelona's veteran defender Lilian Thuram

The Arsenal boss acted as a mentor for Thuram when the pair were together at Monaco and it is believed Wenger considers the defender could provide invaluable tutoring and next week before facing Tottenham in the Carling Cup Final. Avram Grant's side then face a tricky looking Premier League trip to Lampard's former club West Ham - a match he will desperately want to be involved in.

Lampard has been a hugely important figure for Chelsea but getting back in the side could be made more complicated by the form of Michael Ballack.

The German has shone in recent weeks and Lampard admits his time on the sidelines has been infuriating. "It has been very frustrating," added Lampard.

"When you've been out injured you can't even mix with the lads that much and you're spending long days at the training ground. I haven't ever had that really and now I realise what other players have had."