Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a bid to steal Catania left-back Juan Manuel Vargas from under Fiorentina's nose.
The Peruvian has been superb this season, performing well in a number of different positions for the Sicilians.
The 24-year-old made 36 appearances for Catania and scored five goals, which helped keep the Elefanti in Serie A.
He has been linked with Fiorentina since the end of the campaign and the Viola are believed to have made an offer of £9m for his services.
Fiorentina President Andrea Della Valle is prepared to give Vargas a five-year contract worth £600,000 a season.
Real Madrid, however, have entered into the fray and are reportedly willing to pay more than the Viola for the man dubbed the next Roberto Carlos.
If the Spanish giants are successful in the landing Vargas, it will be the second time this summer that Fiorentina have been outbid for a player.
The Viola missed out on World Cup winning defender Andrea Barzagli earlier this week after German outfit Wolfsburg offered him more money.