Italian side Fiorentina are showing interest in Arsenal duo Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta.
The Serie A side finished fourth in Italy last season, only behind Juventus, AS Roma and Napoli, and they also reached the Coppa Italia final, where they lost eventually to Napoli 3-1, but the manager is keen to strengthen this Summer and add depth to the side.
Vincenzo Montella is keen to guide his team one step further next season and finish in a Champions League place, and he believes Arsenal’s captain and vice-captain could help guide the club to Europe’s elite competition.
Vermaelen has struggled to break into the first-team at the Emirates Stadium, despite being the captain, and could be on his way out this Summer due to the partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.
As for Arteta, he is currently used as a first-team player, but his contract expires next Summer, and with no plans in place to hold contract talks, Arsenal may use this transfer window to cash in on the Spaniard.
The holding-midfielder has openly admitted that he isn’t happy with how Arsenal deal with contract situations for over-30s, and he could be open to a move abroad if promised first-team football.
It isn’t understood how much Fiorentina would be willing to pay for the duo, but Arsene Wenger may be willing to listen to their offers.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
