Thursday, 8th September, 2011
Arsenal are showing interest in Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo.
The Italian’s contract with La Viola runs out at the end of this season and he will be available for a knock-down fee in January.
Montolivo was linked with a number of clubs throughout the summer, including Bayern Munich, but Fiorentina stood firm and he remained at the Serie A side.
The player himself has been quick to admit that "it wasn’t an easy summer", but also stressed that "my relations with Fiorentina’s fans have been good."
The deep-lying playmaker is comfortable operating anywhere in the centre of midfield, from in front of the back four, as a sitting midfielder in the centre, right through to pushing forward into the hole.
It is this versatility, combined with his fine displays for Fiorentina, that have attracted the attention of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who spies the chance of a bargain in January.
And Montolivo maintains that his future is up in the air, even if transfer speculation is not entering his mind just yet.
"My future however is up for discussion", said the midfielder.
"Florence has always been my foremost thought: I have trained as I feel I ought to.
"My concern for rumours is close to zero."
Latest Features:
