Fiorentina would consider selling midfielder Felipe Melo to Arsenal if the deal involves Emmanuel Eboue.

The Italian side had insisted they were not interested in letting go of the Brazilian and signed him to a new contract last month until 2013. But it now seems like they are willing to sell Melo, who has also attracted interest from Juventus.

Fiorentina confirmed they have received a bid from Arsenal which is close to the buy-out close that Melo has, thought to be in the region of £21.4 million. They have now said they are willing to do a deal for less than the buy-out close if Eboue comes to Fiorentina as part of the transfer.

"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," a statement read on the official Fiorentina website.

"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."

Melo only joined Fiorentina last summer after three seasons playing in Spain. The defensive midfielder had an excellent season and has attracted the attentions of a host of clubs.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is known to be on the lookout for a strong defensive minded midfielder and Melo would suit that role perfectly.
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