Fiorentina could edge out Arsenal in the race for Monaco winger Keita Balde Diao, according to reports in the Italian media.

The Gunners were linked with a bid for the Senegalese international last month, but the Viola are looking to sign the 24-year-old on a season-long loan.

Balde Diao spent last season out on loan at Inter Milan but the Nerazzurri did not take up their option to buy the player for €34m. Whether Monaco would sanction another temporary deal, it is not known.

Fiorentina are said to be willing to pay a €3m loan fee upfront with a purchase option to sign the player for €25m (£22.3m) next summer.

Balde Diao is not believed to be near the top of the list of Arsenal’s transfer targets. Wilfried Zaha and Everton are the two wingers that Unai Emery’s side have been most heavily linked with.

Still, if Balde is available on a loan deal, it could present the Gunners with an economical alternative if moves for other options run into difficulties.