Gunners linked with Viola ace

Vanoli is looking to leave Artemio Franchi after Fiorentina's relegation to Serie B and the highly-rated defender has attracted a great deal of interest.

Fulham, Parma and Milan have all been linked with moves for the 29-year-old but the transfers failed to materialise.

The Gunners have been linked with Vanoli's Viola team-mate Daniele Adani in the past, but according to Vanoli's agent Andrea D'Amico the Premiership champions are keen on his player.

"Paolo had come to Florence with very different ambitions but he finds himself in a tough situation now," said D'Amico.

"His wages are a problem for potential buyers, but myself and Fiorentina director Giovanni Galli are looking at overseas options right now.

"Arsenal's interest is the most intriguing at the moment. Arsene Wenger respects Vanoli and Galli knows the Gunners directors very well.

"It will be difficult for certain players to stay with the Viola although with the lull in the transfer market across Europe I would not be surprised by anything."

Any move for Vanoli seems unlikely as The Gunners are set to complete the capture of French defender Pascal Cygan from Lille.