Norwich were reportedly last night closing in on a loan deal for Fiorentina's former Arsenal striker Arturo Lupoli. City officials remained tight lipped but speculation in Italy suggested the Canaries had finally reached agreement over a season loan switch from the Viola.

Norwich City were reportedly last night closing in on a loan deal for Fiorentina's former Arsenal striker Arturo Lupoli.

City officials remained tight-lipped but speculation in Italy suggested the Canaries had finally reached agreement over a season-long loan switch from the Viola.

The Serie A giants released a statement confirming they had received a transfer bid from Norwich for the 21-year-old but Canaries' chief Glenn Roeder scotched talk of any firm offer following the club's opening pre-season friendly at Gorleston.

Lupoli has been frozen out of Fiorentina's first team plans at the Artemio Franchi this season after returning from a loan stint at Serie B club Treviso.

The former Gunner has also been linked with moves to Udinese and Siena.