Fiorentina have set their sights on Southampton star Gaston Ramirez as a replacement for Stevan Jovetic, according to reports from talkSPORT.

The Florence-based outfit look set to lose their star attacker this term, with both Manchester City and Arsenal reported to be preparing big money bids.

With his departure looking more and more likely as the days go by, the club have drawn up a list of possible replacements, with Saints’ attacking midfielder believed to be at the top.

Ramirez only signed for the South Coast side last summer in a £12m deal, but has failed to perform consistently, with a series of niggling injuries hampering his progress.

In his previous spell in Italy with Bologna the Uruguayan playmaker was in fine form, which has tempted Fiorentina.

Southampton will be far from keen to allow the 22-year-old to leave St Mary’s Stadium, but they may be unable to convince him to stay if they’re relegated from the Premier League, which is still a possibility.

Even if they avoid the drop, Ramirez could still be tempted by a move to Fiorentina, with the Viola far more likely to achieve European football in the future.

He has hit three goals in 18 appearances for Southampton, who beat Liverpool in the race for his signature during pre-season, this term.

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