£18m Arsenal target 'ready' to commence talks over summer move

Reported Arsenal target Riccardo Montolivo is ready to leave Fiorentina in the summer, it has been claimed.

According to La Nazione - as reported by Goal.com - the Viola resisted the temptation to sell their captain during the January transfer window but they may be forced to cash-in on the midfielder during the closed season.

The player and his agent are now preparing to meet with Fiorentina representatives in the spring to discuss a potential move at the end of the current campaign.

The Italy international was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal during the summer and is also reportedly being tracked by clubs in Spain.




 

In August, the Daily Star reported that Arsenal were preparing an £18 million bid for the 26-year-old, whose passing ability and driving runs have seen him compared to AC Milan legend Andrea Pirlo.

In fact, Milan are said to be considering making Montolivo a long-term successor to Pirlo and Arsenal could be set for a summer battle for his signature.

As well as their reported interest in Montolivo, Arsenal are thought to be monitoring a number of other potential targets with a view to making a move come the end of the season.

Arsene Wenger, is known to be a long-term admirer of Bolton defender Gary Cahill, who could well be teammates with Southampton whizkid Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain by next season, with Arsenal reportedly keen to bring both players to the Emirates Stadium.