English giants Arsenal are closer to landing Brazilian Felipe Melo as Fiorentina eye a Emmanuel Eboue swap.

The much sought-after defensive powerhouse has been on the transfer rumour mill for some time, having being linked with Italian giants Juventus as well as the Gunners.

According to Fiorentina's official website, a statement released read: "Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino, in denying the transfer rumours of the past few hours, which sees Felipe Melo definitely at other clubs and reporting potential meetings to finalise the transfer of the player, underlines the following:

"In case the footballer has already reached an agreement with any club, the release clause fixed with the player himself is €25million. We would not contemplate any exchange, unless it is to the liking of Fiorentina.

"Arsenal is the only club to have come close to the sum established by the release clause.

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

Previous reports had Eboue declaring his discontent at Arsenal due to the lack of first-team appearances, whether this could herald the dawn of Melo's arrival at Emirates Stadium is yet to be seen.