Report: Inter Bid €25m For Fiorentina Midfielder Felipe Melo

According to reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport, Fiorentina have received a tempting offer from Italian champions Inter for midfield star Felipe Melo.

The Beneamata are prepared to invest around €25 million in the Brazilian international, paying €18m in cash plus the services of centre-back Nicolas Burdisso.

The Argentine was a target for the Viola last summer and seemed on the verge of moving to the Stadio Franchi. However, he eventually stayed put in Lombardy as Inter were dealing with a defensive injury crisis at the start of the season.

But it is suggested that Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have also approached the Tuscans with bids in the region of €20m, without offering players in part-exchange.

Melo plied his trade in Spain from 2005-2008, playing for Mallorca, Racing and Almeria, the club he left to join Fiorentina last summer in an €8m deal.

Premier League side Arsenal have also been keeping tabs on the 25-year-old in recent months. The Londoners reportedly had an €18m offer turned down during the January transfer window.
 
Vince Masiello, Goal.com