Melo still set to be subject of big bid

Reports in Italy’s Corriere dello Sport claim that Serie A giants Juventus will test Fiorentina’s resolve to keep midfielder Felipe Melo by matching the buy-out clause set in his newly signed contract. The Brazilian put pen-to-paper on the new extension last week and seemingly dampened speculation linking him with Arsenal in the process. Nevertheless, undeterred by the latest developments, the Old Lady are willing to offer in excess of €25m to lure the 26-year-old to Turin.

Melo has long been admired by the bianconeri, but after a bid for Udinese playmaker Gaetano D’Agostino hit the rocks, they have returned to the negotiation table with La Viola director of sport Pantaleo Corvino. Ironically, the inclusion of a buy-out clause now means that a transfer could become easier to push through with any bids matching the designated amount automatically triggering a right to speak to the player himself.

Among the interested parties is apparently also free-spending Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who is expected to meet with Corvino over the next few days to ratify the transfer of Royston Drenthe.