Gilberto deal nearly official, Bittante to Empoli as Fiorentina right back position continues to change

There have already been several moves connected to the defensive wide areas this summer, from Micah Richards leaving to Lorenzo De Silvestri staying at Sampdoria, as well as youngsters moving around, like Cristiano Piccini leaving and Luca Bittante returning to Florence.

But the intrigue can't stop there, as Fiorentina still need depth and talent at the right back position. Enter Gilberto Moreas Junior, the 22 year old Brazilian winger and right back who played for the national team at the youth level. Gilberto turned down a contract renewal with Botafogo in order to seize the opportunity to play in Europe, and Botafogo has decided to get something instead of nothing for their promising but raw external defender.

Many news sources including Gazzetta dello Sport are reporting the deal is basically official, with Gilberto joining Fiorentina officially only after done playing for Brazil at the Pan-American Games (the what?) in Toronto, roundabouts July 26th.

Gilberto has apparently been offered a four year deal, and only cost "a little more than a million" Euro, meaning that this is a low cost gamble just like Octavio.

In all seriousness though, Gilberto looks like a much more promising player than Octavio, with boasting vision, pace, and trickery. By all accounts he will need to improve on the defensive front to compete in the Italian Serie A, but regardless he looks an intriguing addition.

After being bought back by Fiorentina earlier this summer, Bittante has officially joined Empoli on a permanent basis. The promising ex-Avellino loanee has a buy-back clause in his contract that allows Fiorentina first choice on bringing him back should he succeed in the neighboring citadel, much like the one included in the deal for Piccini.