Arsenal are eyeing Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo as a possible solution if captain Cesc Fabregas departs for Barcelona, as is much expected. Fabregas has been linked to Barcelona all summer, and outgoing club president Joan Laporta claimed that Arsenal will eventually "give in" and sell the Spanish midfielder to the Catalan giants. Barcelona have had a £29 million bid rejected, but remain confident that Fabregas will soon return home to his youth club.

Meanwhile, the 25-year old Montolivo has performed admirably for Italy at the World Cup. He has been a reassuring force for the Azzuri, providing possession control and attacking creativity. A bid of around €20 million is expected to be demanded by Fiorentina for their prized midfielder.

Sources:

Goal.com

Soccernet