Fiorentina eager to sign Arsenal defender Eboue

Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli has confirmed that he is eager to sign versatile Ivory Coast international Emmanuel Eboue from Arsenal.

The 26-year-old has struggled to become a first-team regular with the Gunners, but Prandelli is a big fan of Eboue.

He said: "Eboue is a very important player. In attack he is second to very few players in his role. Eboue has characteristics which we are definitely looking for."

Meanwhile, Juventus’ director of sport Alessio Secco says that his club will only sell striker David Trezeguet to a club outside of Italy.

The 31-year-old France international has been heavily linked with AC Milan in recent times, but Secco has ruled out a deal with the Rossoneri.

He told L’Equipe: “David Trezeguet will not be going to Milan.

“We have not received any offers from Milan. In any case, even if there were bids, they would be turned away. We will only sell David overseas.”

Elsewhere, Juve midfielder Mohamed Sissoko has admitted that he is still some way away from a return to action after suffering a foot injury in March.

He told the Corriere dello Sport: “I am not at my best yet and I have to work to get on a par with my team-mates.

“The latest X-rays have reassured me and I certainly feel better, but I still feel a few niggles and I absolutely don’t want to risk it. Let’s take it step by step.

“I am not able to say how long it will be before I return to action, I can just say that I still feel something, but nothing major.”

Fiorentina and Italy striker Alberto Gilardino has dismissed rumours linking him with a transfer to French powerhouses Lyon.

The 27-year-old scored 24 goals in his first season with La Viola and is eager to build on an impressive first campaign in Florence.

Gilardino told Sky Italia: “I read about this in the newspapers, but I am happy in Florence and do not want to change teams.

“My objective is to earn fourth place with Fiorentina as well as, obviously, going to the World Cup in South Africa.”