Arsenal could use Emmanuel Eboue as bait to lure Brazilian international Felipe Melo to the club from Fiorentina. The Brazilian star starred in his countries victorious Confederation Cup campaign this summer and has been strongly linked with the Gunners all summer.
He has a £21.4million release clause in his contract and Eboue could be added to the deal to meet the Viola’s valuation. The former Flamengo midfielder has also recently signed a new contract in Florence, but now looks likely to leave the club. Italian side Juventus have also been linked with a bid, however Arsenal remain favourites for the star.
A statement on the Fiorentina official club website said: “Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino, in denying the transfer rumours of the past few hours, which sees Felipe Melo definitely at other clubs and reporting potential meetings to finalise the transfer of the player, underlines the following:
“In case the footballer has already reached an agreement with any club, the release clause fixed with the player himself is €25million. We would not contemplate any exchange, unless it is to the liking of Fiorentina.
“Arsenal is the only club to have come close to the sum established by the release clause.
“Fiorentina in turn proposed to the aforementioned club a reduction in the amount set by the release clause by including right-back (Emmanuel) Eboue in the deal.”
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