Fiorentina closing in on Diamanti

Better late than never they say. I am one of the many fans who have wondered for years why Fiorentina never made an offer to return Alessandro Diamanti to Florence while in his pomp at Bologna; well it appears that the time has come. Notable mercato expert Gianluca Di Marzio has bolstered rumors of the past few days a short while ago, in a short post confirming that Chinese club Guangzhou is willing to let Diamanti leave, and that the two parties are close to an agreement. Di Marzio claims that the terms would be rather kind for Fiorentina, a loan deal through the end of the season with an obligation to permanently sign the player for 3 million Euros in the summer. Sky Sport is also claiming that a deal will be reached relatively quickly with similar terms.

While it feels like Diamanti has been around forever, the Prato-born winger and attacking midfielder is only 31, and is capable of playing in several positions (including behind the striker) of use to us now as a starter, and potentially in future serving as an excellent utility man, substitute, or vice-Rossi when fixtures pile up. Vincenzo Montella himself described Diamanti in his press conference as "having the characteristics to play with Gomez."

Obviously nothing is official yet and much will depend on the conditions with which he were to return from China. But let's hope we can get the deal done soon and see what Alino can do!

Here's a sampler from his time at Bologna:

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