Gunners' Adani link dismissed

It has been suggested that Viola officials have been in London trying to finalise a move for either Adani or his fellow defender Paolo Vanoli, but The Gunners have other options, including Lille's Pascal Cygan.

Vanoli has attracted attention from Fulham's director of football Franco Baresi.

27-year-old Adani was strongly linked with a switch to Highbury, but his representative, Paolo Conti, has confirmed this is not the case.

"No English clubs are in for Adani," he told a local radio station in Florence.

"Only Internazionale are interested in Adani, but we are not close to finding an agreement."

Viola press officer Giuseppe Pavone has admitted things are looking a little desperate for the cash-strapped club, who were relegated to Serie B last season.

"We are looking to sell as many players as we can," he declared.

"But it is not easy for us to sell our players."

Nuno Gomes is another of the side's most valuable assets, and several clubs are waiting in the background to see if any bargains are to be had.