Transfer Tuesday: Time for a new dream

Staff

Here is the official announcement of Daniele Pradè's departure. Now that Pantaleo Corvino has rescinded his contract with Bologna, it should be a matter of days before Fiorentina confirms his return. Looks like he's already got plans for his backroom staff, too, as Fiorentina have targeted Spezia scouting director Enrico Paresce for the same role in Florence.

Goalkeepers

Just the sheer number of goalkeepers linked to Fiorentina should indicate how (un)certain Ciprian Tătăruşanu's position for next season is. The biggest incoming name belongs to Salvatore Sirigu, who's open to leaving PSG, although he advises that it's up to the Parisian club. He's also said that he doesn't feel the need for Champions League football, which could be a nod to Fiorentina. There's a lengthy list of alternatives, though. Hellas Verona's Pierluigi Gollini is just 21 and a former Manchester United player. He should be available for about €2 million, although he may need a year or two to develop. A delay could give Everton time to snipe him, though, as they're in the market for a new custodian as well. A slightly more seasoned option is Marco Sportiello of Atalanta, who has flatly stated that he's ready for a bigger club than la Dea.

Defenders

Lisandro López of Benfica is back in the news as a potential target, which will probably result in some frustrating flashbacks. Lazio have approached the Portuguese club with a €5 million offer that could grow to €9 million if certain incentives are met. Really, it's just a bunch of rehashing, as Manchester City's Jason Denayer, a popular hipster pick last year, is back in the Viola cross hairs as well after an injury-marred campaign with Galatasaray. The Belgian has seen some awful things this year, so a stay in Florence, where his versatility (he can play in the middle or on the right) would be quite useful. River Plate Rodolfo d'Onofrio, meanwhile, claims nobody's asked about Emmanuel Mammana yet, which I'm pretty sure isn't true, but does leave the door open for another one that got away. Valencia's Rúben Vezo is also still a target, and really looks like he could be a steal. Finally, Crotone president Raffaele Vrenna says that Gianmarco Ferrari wants to play for Juventus, which may take him off the list for Fiorentina.

The dire Viola fullback situation looks likely to be addressed as well. Mário Rui of Empoli has been flirting with Fiorentina for months; the Gigliati say they want a deal done soon, but Vrenna says there's been no contact yet. Roma are trying to slide in at the last minute with a €6 million bid, so Corvino will need to move fast or risk losing him. With Napoli now hot on the tail of Udinese's Sylvan Widmer, who was also a Fiorentina target, it's definitely time to act. And to think that Manuel Pasqual is being courted by Cagliari and Empoli when he could have stayed in Florence as a reserve. Bah.

Midfielders

Now that Matías Vecino has signed his new contract and explicitly stated that he's not interested in Napoli, the Partenopei have turned their sights to Milan Badelj. Viola management have decided that, if their €10 million valuation is met, he's free to go. Napoli have offered Mirko Valdifiori in exchange, but so far the sides seem pretty far apart. Meanwhile, Panagiotis Kone could spend another year on loan at Fiorentina, as Udinese seems eager to keep him out of Friuli. Matías Fernández, however, has caught the eye of both AC Milan and Liverpool, who probably figure he's available for a discount after a miserable season. And, just in case you were wondering, Borja Valero is not going to AS Roma. Seriously. Cut it out.

On the reinforcements side of the column, there are, of course, lots of rumors. The weirdest one is that Fiorentina and Udinese are interested in Club Brugge's midfielder Cyril Ngonge. He is 15 years old and was born in 2000. Let that sink in for awhile. No, really, it's great. Just great.

Anyways, the most likely arrival looks to be wantaway Napoli midfielder Mirko Valdifiori, who's desperate for a chance to play. Already offered in a swap for Badelj, he could arrive independent of the Croatian's eventual destination, as both player and agent have voiced a desire to leave Naples, although Cagliari are also kicking the tires on him. His Azzuri colleague Alberto Grassi is also looking for more time on the pitch, which has put former suitors like Fiorentina on high alert. Ajax captain Davy Klaasen is another option, although Napoli seem to be closing in. And finally, Bologna have made contact with Hellas about Federico Viviani, whom Fiorentina have been following for the past couple of years.

The Cristian Tello saga drags on, as the player's representatives are meeting with management. He must be getting frustrated, as he's confirmed his interest in making his move permanent, but Fiorentina insist on trying to low ball Barcelona; they're offering about €4.5 million, even though the agreement between the teams has an €8 million release clause.

Less depressing news, though, is that Corvino has resumed contact with Marseille for Lucas Ocampos. A €6 million fee should be enough to pry him from the French club's clutches, and, if he fulfills his earlier promise, he'd be a real bargain. His direct style of play could set him at odds with Mauro Zárate, but he'd be a good addition to the squad. We've got a full report on the Adem Ljajić situation here, but it seems like Corvino's return has him readier than ever to move back to Florence. Emmanuele GiaccheriniDennis Praet may be nearing an end. Anderlecht are holding out for €10 million, even though the young attacker has stated his intent to leave the club, and Fiorentina seem skittish about spending that much. Inter Milan are poised to swoop in, and Southampton are mid-swoop, having reportedly offered €15 million. So long, Dennis.

Forwards

The drama continues farther forward. Liverpool covet Josip Iličić and have tried offering a swap deal for Mario Balotelli, which Fiorentina management pretty much immediately shut down. If the Reds want the Slovenian, they'll probably have to pay cash. Napoli continue sniffing around Nikola Kalinić, too, who's changed his earlier stance and doubled down on his commitment to Fiorentina, repeating that he's going nowhere.

Even so, the media claim that Fiorentina are all in for Genoa striker Leonardo Pavoletti. The Rossoblu have reportedly attached a rather absurd €25 million price to him, but the rumors of a swap involving both Mati Fernández and Ciprian Tătăruşanu just won't go away. A cheaper option would be the outstandingly named Kevin Lasagna of Carpi, on whom the club are doing their due diligence. In contrast to what we reported earlier here, Stevan Jovetić claims he wants to stay at Inter and honor his 3 year contract, but that could just be a smokescreen. And, to close out on a happy-sad note, Alberto Gilardino was talking about signing a token one-year contract with the Viola, then retiring directly into the club management. Instead, he's signed a 3 year deal with Parma, who are going to hold an office for him. Would have been nice to have him back, but seeing him back at Parma is nearly as satisfying.