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Melo to Arsenal swap mooted

04 Jul 2009 - 16:52:19

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Fiorentina claim they are considering a swap deal with Arsenal for their Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo.

Melo has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium throughout the summer, but appeared to have pledged his future to the Italian club after signing a new long-term contract last week.

However, Fiorentina claim they are interested in discussing a swap deal with the Gunners which would see Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue head in the opposite direction.

Defensive midfielder Melo's new contract contains a £25million buy-out clause.

"Arsenal is the only club to have come close to the sum established by the release clause," read a statement on the Italian club's official website.

"Fiorentina in turn proposed to the aforementioned club a reduction in the amount set by the release clause by including right-back Eboue in the deal."

Eboue lost his starting place in the Arsenal first team last season after struggling with his form.

His future at the club has been in doubt since he was booed by Gunners fans during a disappointing performance against Wigan Athletic back in December.