Fiorentina Transfers Roar To Life

Prominent football mercato journalists - including Gianluca Di Marzio - revealed in the past hour that Fiorentina have submitted their official offers for Shakthar Donetsk's Brazilian midfielder Fernando and Montpellier midfielder/utility player Benjamin Stambouli. Both players have been in Fiorentina sights for a while now, but no one expected for Prade and Macia to move for both.

Stambouli has appeared close to coming to Fiorentina for a couple days now, with the player - whose contract expires in 2015 - favoring Florence over other suitors Lille and Swansea. Transfer talks had stalled as Montpellier raised their asking fee marginally, but now a "summit" appears to be taking place between the player and French club directors, as he nears a definitive move to Fiorentina. The French 24 year old is most comfortable in a holding role ahead of the defense, but can also play as a central defender and right back, Stambouli is praised for his individual technique and tactical intelligence.

As far as Fernando goes, the 22 year old player is said to have already accepted personal terms with la Viola, and both the coach and the sporting director of the Ukranian club have signed off on the deal; all that remains is for the club president to give his permission. The defensive midfield talent appeared to be too expensive for Fiorentina, but the player's eagerness to trade Ukraine for Italy has apparently helped make a loan deal more acceptable; the price for Fiorentina to buy Fernando outright next year has been set at €15 million.

The unexpected potential of a double signing for the Fiorentina midfield will certainly enchant Vincenzo Montella, who would appear to have nearly any system at his disposal with two substantive midfielders to interchange with David Pizarro. More updates as they arrive, but, as expected, the summer transfer window has kick started in this final week before the start of the season.