Tottenham fans will wonder whether Stephen Carr might be playing north London derbies in an Arsenal shirt from next season after Arsene Wenger gave the impression ahead of today's meeting that he would be interested in signing the right-back over the summer.

Carr's contract expires in 18 months and Spurs are expected to sell him at the end of this season to avoid losing him for nothing a year later. Having given away Sol Campbell under the Bosman ruling, they are desperate to avoid a repeat.

Arsenal are almost certain to want a new right-back for next season because Oleg Luzhny, who is in the final few months of his contract, will be 35 in August.

If Carr does not extend his contract and Wenger makes a move for him, it will spark a bargaining war between the clubs. Tottenham are likely to want at least £8 million, whereas Arsenal would probably be loath to spend much more than half that on someone who would be available for nothing a year later. Manchester United may also be interested in Carr.