Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani insists he wants to stay at the Stadio Olimpico.

Juventus, Arsenal and Real Madrid are among the clubs who have been linked with the 23-year-old after another impressive season with the Giallorossi.

The Italy midfielder, who is currently preparing for Euro 2008 with the rest of the Azzurri team, claims he has no intention of buying out the rest of his contract but did admit he has to sit down with Roma chiefs to discuss matters.

"I have a contract until 2010 and I intend to respect it," said Aquilani.

"At the moment I'm reading stories about different teams, or taking advantage of Article 17 - things which I rule out absolutely.

"I don't even take them into consideration.

"Its obvious that I will need to talk to the coach and the club to understand my future, but at the moment all I have in mind is the national team and Roma.

"I know that other clubs are in the hunt for me and it pleases me that even (Gianluigi) Buffon said that I am Juve's sort of player - I'm flattered by that statement from him.

"But nothing else. It's not a question of money but also of objectives, I have to talk to the club."

Earlier in the day Juventus goalkeeper Buffon earmarked Aquilani as the man that could make the difference to the Bianconeri next season.

Asked which one of his Italy team-mates he would like to see in the famous black and white next season, Buffon's reply was instant.

"I would definitely say Aquilani," he said. "To make that jump in quality he is one of the most interesting youngsters.

"Xabi Alonso or Aquilani? You also have to consider the age. The Roma player is young so he could become the best midfielder in Europe and even in the world.

"He helped Roma play the best football of the year - they gave a footballing lesson to everyone with a backbone of Italian players."

However, Buffon does not think it is likely Aquilani - a lifelong Roma fan - will leave his hometown club to move to Turin.

But the Juve star hinted at other big moves in the transfer market for the Bianconeri.

"I don't think Roma will let go of a player who is so young and so strong," added Buffon.

"Juventus are planning to buy many players - at the level of the great expectations of all the Bianconeri fans. I don't know if it will be enormous, but it certainly will not let the fans' hopes down."

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