Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly made Fiorentina's defensive midfielder Felipe Melo his main target for the summer transfer window.

The Brazil international has become a revelation in Serie A since his move from Spanish outfit Almeria last summer.

His performances have caught the eye of several big name clubs, and the Gunners are reportedly also in the hunt for the 25-year-old.

The former Flamengo player, who impressed in Brazil's friendly game against Italy at Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago, has a release clause of 20 million, and it is thought that Wenger will take Fiorentina up on that offer.

The money for this transfer will reportedly be made available by selling one or two prize assets at the club, with Emmanuel Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie all being linked with big money moves to Barcelona.

Van Persie has already rejected the offer of a new contract at the club, and with only one and a half years left on the contract, the Gunners may be forced to sell their Dutch superstar to the Primera Division giants.

The north London club have struggled with their central midfield positions since the departures of Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto Silva to AC Milan and Panathinaikos respectively, and the fans have been urging Wenger to restrengthen in central midfield in order to resume challenging for the Premier League title.