The Gunners are evidently keeping a close eye on Serie A’s young talent, as in recent months they have been heavily linked with bids for Juventus starlet Giovinco and Udinese’s Swiss sensation Gokhan Inler.

The latest midfielder they are eager to capture is Brazilian Felipe Melo, who has impressed since joining from Almeria in the summer.

The Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Arsenal sent scouts to watch the 25-year-old in the Champions League match with Bayern Munich on November 5.

The reports also state that Fiorentina have no intention of selling Felipe Melo, who has quickly become a fan favourite.

They paid £5m for the player and tied him to a contract until June 2013.