Arsenal will have to wait to see whether they have signed Velez Sarsfield midfielder Rick Alvarez, who is the subject of transfer bids from Inter Milan and Roma also.

Palermo president Mauricio Zamperini has revealed that his side were interested in the Argentinian, but were put off by the £11 million price tag - which has been met by their Italian rivals.

"We were close to signing Alvarez for half the price they will now pay for him but my colleagues took it easy and no agreement was reached," the outspoken 65-year-old is believed to have said in The Sun.

"Where will he go? He was going to sign for Arsenal but Inter Milan made a move and that is where I believe he will go," he concluded.

The Buenos Aires side's chairman Fernando Raffaini confirmed that the European trio were battling for his services.

"Alvarez could be in England or Italy because we are negotiating with several clubs in those countries. Until it is signed, nothing is confirmed, but many clubs are interested, including Inter, Roma and Arsenal," he concluded.

The 23-year-old impressed in helping Velez to their 8th national Primera Division title in 2011.