Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini claims Arsenal have beaten his club in the fight for Vélez Sársfield midfielder Ricky Álvarez.
The 23-year-old is considered to be one of the most promising players in Argentina having impressed over the past 12 months since returning from a serious cruciate knee ligament injury.
However, Arsenal are believed to be leading the chase for Álvarez after Palermo president Zamparini suggested the player had already signed for the Gunners.
Zamparini told Radio Kiss Kiss: "We did have a concrete bid for Álvarez and had him in our grasp back in January.
"Unfortunately, we didn't complete the move in time, so we lost him to Arsenal.
"At this moment he has already signed for the Gunners."
Reports have claimed Arsenal are willing to pay £11 million the left-footed midfielder, who could very well be a replacement for Barcelona-target Cesc Fàbregas.
Watch video evidence of Arsenal target Ricardo Álvarez
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| Argentina midfielder Ricky Álvarez is set to become Arsenal's first summer signing Photo: AP |
The 23-year-old is considered to be one of the most promising players in Argentina having impressed over the past 12 months since returning from a serious cruciate knee ligament injury.
His performances for the Clausura champions have not gone unnoticed with a host of European clubs believed to be keen on signing him, including big-spending Málaga and Italian duo AS Roma and Palermo.
However, Arsenal are believed to be leading the chase for Álvarez after Palermo president Zamparini suggested the player had already signed for the Gunners.
Zamparini told Radio Kiss Kiss: "We did have a concrete bid for Álvarez and had him in our grasp back in January.
"Unfortunately, we didn't complete the move in time, so we lost him to Arsenal.
"At this moment he has already signed for the Gunners."
Reports have claimed Arsenal are willing to pay £11 million the left-footed midfielder, who could very well be a replacement for Barcelona-target Cesc Fàbregas.
Watch video evidence of Arsenal target Ricardo Álvarez
Related links:
Team
Also see:
