Arsenal have reportedly revived their interest in Palermo midfielder Josip Ilicic.

The Slovenia international was close to securing a summer move to Napoli but the Naples club have now pulled out of the deal, after failing to match Ilicic's £12m price tag.

According to talkSPORT, the Gunners, who are long-time admirers of the player, are now considering an approach for the 25-year-old.

Josip Ilicic (R)
Reuters

Ilicic has 10 goals from 29 Serie A starts this season and is an attacking player not unlike Swansea City's Michu. The Slovenian has been relegated to Serie B with Palermo this year and it is believed the Italian club's chairman, Maurizio Zamperini, wants to transfer the midfielder and reduce his wage bill.

Arsenal, who are now likely to lose top summer target and Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic to Serie A champions Juventus, could consider a move for the Montenegrin's fellow Serie A star. The talkSPORT report adds that the Gunners' London rivals Chelsea have also been linked to Ilicic in the past.

Emmanuel Frimpong Out for Two Months

Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong is expected to be sidelined for two months, after he underwent knee surgery on Wednesday.

The Ghana international was forced to have the operation following an injury he sustained while on loan to Fulham and in the final Premier League game of the season, against Swansea City.

"I had surgery yesterday night and am expected to be out for 8 weeks. It saddens me that I couldnt go play for Ghana in the World Cup qualifiers next month but I wish the coach and the players good luck for the matches. Hope we get maximum points. From the game also wanna thank everyone at Fulham for their support but also is a great feeling to be back at Arsenal. Have a good day," Frimpong tweeted.

This is the third time the 21-year-old has gone under the knife for a knee problem since 2010. The midfielder featured just twice in all competitions for Arsenal this season.

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