Gunners have been keeping close tabs on exciting South American for some time now.
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Serie A side Fiorentina insist that they will do everything in their powers to keep hold of Arsenal target Juan Cuadrado when the winter transfer window opens again for business in the new year, according to reports in the Metro.
The in-demand Colombia international has been attracting the attentions of a whole host of big-name clubs from across the Continent of late, with both Serie A champions Juventus and Uefa Champions League holders Bayern Munich having also been heavily linked with Cuadrado.
However, it is understood that it is the north London club who have expressed the most interest in the midfield player, with the Premier League leaders having sent scouts out to Florence on a number of occasions already so far in this season to watch Cuadrado in action first hand.
And as a result, it is thought that Gunners head coach Arsene Wenger will now step up his interest in the 25-year-old at the turn of the year, with Fiorentina said to be bracing themselves for a bid for the Colombian.
But the Italian club’s president, Andrea Della Valle, is adamant that Fiorentina will fight to prevent the wide man from leaving in January.
“We will try to do everything possible to keep him in Florence,” said Cuadrado.
“Cuadrado we want you to stay here for a long time and have fun as you are doing now.
“This team has the pride of wearing the purple shirt. It is a cycle of great guys in a very tight dressing room – being with them gives you joy.”