by Lewis Ambrose

Remember Stefan Savić?

Manchester City fans probably do, but not particularly fondly. The Montenegrin defender played in 11 Premier League games following a £6M move to Manchester in 2011, only to depart at the end of his first season.

Now 24 years of age, the centre-half has matured and become a key part of the Fiorentina defence. Last season saw him start 28 Serie A games as well as eight matches in the Europa League, and he is now reportedly attracting interest from the Premier League once more.

According to Sky Sports the defender is being considered by Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United. With Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Gabriel and Calum Chambers I would argue are the least likely to make move for the defender but the other two sides may be more desperate to pay the £11M that would tempt Fiorentina into selling.

Trial

Savić has claimed that he had an agreement to join Arsenal following a trial back in 2010, but nothing came of it. The defender was only 19 at the time and has clearly come on during his time in Italy.

“There were offers from Tottenham and Birmingham, but once a call came from Arsenal, I had no more doubts,” said the defender.

“Wenger made sure my papers were arranged for me and my work permit extended so I can be at more training sessions.”

He was clearly keen on a move to Arsenal back then but maybe that has changed. For one reason or another Wenger didn’t sign him, he has had his fingers burnt in England and he is guaranteed regular football in Florence.

Since then he has won 32 caps for Montenegro, proving his worth at international level. Even if Arsenal do want Savić this summer they may face some stiff competition.