Arsenal on Riccardo Montolivo alert

The Gunners are tracking Italian midfielder Riccardo Montolivo. Reports indicate Arsenal will make a cut price move for the highly rated Fiorentina man come January, and the cash strapped Viola could accept as little as 5m GBP.

AC Milan are also very interested in Montolivo, who has 28 caps for Italy.

The 26 year old has played nearly 200 games for his club, but has decided the time is right to move elsewhere.

Arsenal are scouring Europe for a successor for Cesc Fabregas, and Montolivo ticks all of the boxes. The Italian is comfortable playing anywhere in midfield, but is most happy as a creative midfielder. In addition, at 26, Montolivo still has plenty of time to develop and the very best is still yet to come. Also, Montolivo's relatively low price will appeal to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who is operating on a shoestring budget.