GOONERS

Arsenal are the only club to have made a bid for Fiorentina star Felipe Melo, the Italian club have announced. The Viola appear prepared to sell the Brazilian star with Emmanuel Eboue moving the other way as part of the deal.

Sky Sport Italia claimed earlier today that Juventus had reached an agreement with Felipe Melo’s agents, and that the Bianconeri would meet with Fiorentina officials on Tuesday in order to conclude a transfer fee.

However, Fiorentina have now posted an official announcement on their website, in which transfer chief Pantaleo Corvino sets the record straight.

Corvino claims that Arsenal are the only club to have tabled an offer for Felipe Melo, who has a release clause of €25 million, and suggests that Fiorentina are prepared to sell if Emmanuel Eboue is included as part of the exchange.

“The director [Corvino] points out that Arsenal FC are the only club that has come close to [Felipe Melo’s] release clause.

“Fiorentina, in turn, has proposed that the clubs reduce the amount of this clause by entering into negotiations the right back Eboue.”

On the rumours of an alleged agreement between Felipe Melo's agents and Juventus, Fiorentina did not deny that those two parties may have reached an accord.

"In the event that the player has already agreed terms with another club, the buy-out clause the player has with his club to the value of €25 million does not take into consideration any technical exchanges (player exchanges), unless Fiorentina is in agreement."

Arsenal\'s new signing Thomas Vermaelen has vowed to bring silverware back to the Emirates.

The £11million capture, who can play at centre-half or left-back, has signed a fiveyear deal after completing his move from Ajax.

He said last night: "I just want to assure the Arsenal fans I will give everything for this club and I hope we can enjoy winning some trophies together next season."

Vermaelen, 23, made more than 100 appearances for Ajax after joining the Dutch club in 2004.

The Belgian international, added: "Arsenal is a great club with a world-class manager, high-quality players and a fantastic stadium.

"Everything is set up for Arsenal to be very successful for years to come and I joined this club because I know Arsenal will challenge for trophies."

But while Vermaelen was euphoric, William Gallas was considering his future.