Melo drama takes Russian twist

Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo could join Zenit St Petersburg after the Russian side made an approach for the Brazilian, according to reports in the Italian press. Tuttosport claims that the 25-year-old’s Serie A form has already attracted interest from both Real Madrid and Arsenal but that last season’s UEFA Cup winners could now join the race for the player’s signature.

Melo has enjoyed something of an itinerant football career taking in stints with Brazilian giants Flamengo, Cruzeiro and Gremio, Malaysian side Sabah FA and Spanish trio Mallorca, Racing Santander and Almerio. Only since arriving in Florence has the midfield enforcer appeared to fulfill his full potential winning himself a call-up from Dunga to the Brazilian national squad and earning plaudits from the Italian press.

Despite appearing settled at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Melo has resisted the temptation to commit himself to the Viola, hinting that his future could lie elsewhere.