Colombian international Cristian Zapata has put Arsenal on red alert after his agent revealed he is after a move to England.
The 23-year-old Udinese man is an adaptable defender – able to play anywhere across the backline – and has been firmly in Arsene Wenger’s sights for the last two summers.
Reports at the time suggested that the Gunners had a bid of £9.5 million rejected by Udinese in 2008, and this time last year Zapata claimed the Londoners were attempting to sign him again.
"Juventus, Fiorentina, Milan, Arsenal and Villarreal have requested information about me," said Zapata.
"There are many teams that are keen to sign me but an official offer has not been made so far.
"I think if a good offer arrives then Udinese will have to consider it. But the club don't need to sell me immediately."
And 12 months on, Zapata’s agent Massimo Italiani has fuelled speculation that a move to the Emirates could be on the cards.
"It's nice to hear Arsenal are interested in the player,” Italiani explained.
"For several years now, Zapata has been linked to prestigious clubs and that means he is doing things well.
“I don’t know what will happen this summer, it’s still unclear. There are a number of clubs that are interested in the player.
"At the moment it is more likely that he will move abroad than sign for another Serie A club.
“A move to play in England would be a dream for Cristian, he wants to play in the Premier League."
Zapata joined Udinese in 2004 after beginning his career in his native Colombia; for whom he has 12 caps.
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