Pasalic close to Fiorentina move

Multiple reports over the last 24 hours have suggested that Croatia international Mario Pasalic has agreed personal terms with Fiorentina, though la Viola still need to convince the player’s current club Chelsea. Pasalic, a 23-year old central midfielder, signed for the English giants in 2014 following a breakout season for Hajduk Split four years ago, but has not made a single appearance for the Blues. In the years since then he has toured the top leagues of Europe, with loan spells at Elche, Monaco, Milan, and most recently Spartak Moscow.

Whilst he has failed to be a major contributor for any of his temporary employers, Pasalic proved a useful player for a Milan team who finished above Fiorentina two years ago, and given the player’s age, and inconsistent past, it’s not unreasonable to expect there’s more to come from the young midfielder than he’s shown thus far.

Though his nationality and position will assuredly draw comparisons between Pasalic and the outgoing Milan Badelj, the two are not especially similar players. The young midfielder lacks the defensive nous and fight of his compatriot Badelj, and isn’t as composed with the ball at his feet in tight spaces. However, he does possess an impressive passing range, and a natural tendency to shift the ball out wide that could make him a good fit with the first team.

It is as of yet unclear what shape the deal to bring Pasalic to Fiorentina will take - if any deal can be made at all - but given the amount of talent available to Chelsea at his position, it is expected that they would be willing to part with the player for the right fee.