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Fiorentina Also Want Arsenal Defender Gallas In Exchange For Felipe Melo - Report

The Serie A side would like some defensive reinforcements should they lose the Brazilian to the Emirates...

Jul 5, 2009 3:04:00 PM

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All Over? William Gallas' Arsenal future is shrouded in doubt after he was relieved of his duties as captain

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On Saturday, Fiorentina admitted that they were in negotiations with Arsenal to sell midfielder Felipe Melo to the Gunners.

It was also suggested that versatile player Emmanuel Eboue would be included in the deal to lower the cash price and, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Viola are also asking for defender William Gallas as well.

Melo has become a sought after property on the transfer market after a fine season with Fiorentina and impressive display for Brazil at the Confederations Cup, his value is reported to be approximately €25 million.

One problem that could scupper the deal is Gallas's salary, which is currently above the Viola's self-imposed salary-cap.

The Frenchman has been with Arsene Wenger's side since 2006, when he swapped clubs with Ashley Cole, now at Chelsea. Meanwhile, Melo joined Fiorentina from Almeria just last summer and recently signed an improved contract after initial success.

Melo has also been strongly linked with Juventus.

Adam Scime, Goal.com