Arsenal are maintaining contact with the agent of Padova attacker Ousmane Drame.

Florence sources say Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is in regular contact with Drame's agent, George Atangana, who hasn't shied away from comparing the youngster with Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery.

In an effort to beat their English rivals, Fiorentina are ready to make an offer to Padova for the youngster in January.

However, Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini could hold the trump card, as his former sports director Rino Foschi is now in charge of Padova and talks have already opened about an option on Drame.