VIOLA LINKED TO SILVINHO

The Brazilian has been a big hit with the Highbury faithful but his appearances have grown increasingly rare following the emergence of England star Ashley Cole. A regular last season, Silvinho has been reduced to a virtual spectator during a season that saw Cole rise from Gunners reserve to England international.

Fiorentina are heading into a summer of rebuilding under the guidance of novice coach Roberto Mancini. The former Sampdoria and Lazio legend has almost completed his first major signing as head coach - the capture of Daniel Anderson from relegated Bari.

Spanish giants Barcelona have also been strongly linked to Silvinho but Fiorentina could hold an ace up their sleeves in Francesco Toldo.

The Italian penalty saving hero of Euro 2000 is definitely leaving La Viola this summer and the Gunners have been openly searching for a long-term replacement for David Seaman. They were linked to Toldo earlier this season, but any move for him may be put off if The Gunners, as expected, complete a move for Feyenoord keeper Jerzy Dudek.