Rumour: Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham to battle for Sevilla defender Federico Fazio

Sevilla defender Federico Fazio

Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all battling to sign Sevilla defender Federico Fazio in the summer, but face heavy competition from Fiorentina, who have become favourites for the Argentine’s signature, according to TalkSPORT.

He has previously been touted for Barcelona – who are in need of centre-backs following the decision to part ways with legendary skipper Carles Puyol at the end of the season – but with the European giants currently suffering a transfer ban imposed by FIFA, a scramble is set to ensue to take Fazio away from Sevilla.

The Andalusian club have well-documented financial problems that saw them forced to sell Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas last summer and they are still in no position to turn down big money offers for any of their stars.

Manchester United are looking for defensive recruits in the summer as they undergo a summer shake-up, with Nemanja Vidic on his way to Inter Milan and Rio Ferdinand rumoured to be considering hanging up his boots at the end of the season.

Spurs are also in the market for defenders after a woeful defensive record against the big clubs in the Premier League this season, with Younes Kaboul expected to leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires at White Hart Lane.

Fiorentina have however jumped to the front of the queue having already sounded out the player to see if he’s interested in a move to Serie A, so the Premier League trio will have to move quickly if they are to convince him that England is the most logical destination.

Federico Fazio has won 95 headed duels in 21 appearances for Sevilla this season, emerging victorious in 80% of his aerial battles.