I guess Milan are trying to buy Kalinic now

We’ve already discussed that Federico Bernardeschi is probably (but not necessarily) leaving Florence this summer. We also heard that Inter Milan were considering a double bid for Berna and Nikola Kalinić as well, but we pretty well dismissed that. Now, however, Gianluca di Marzio reports that it’s not Inter, but rather AC Milan who are preparing a big bid for the Croatian striker.

It’d be a blow to Fiorentina to lose their leading scorer over the past two seasons, especially when the only other striker on the roster is Khouma Babacar. Corvino tempted fate last year after selling Mauro Zárate, leaving only two center forwards in the team, and it nearly backfired when Paulo Sousa was forced to call Primavera star Jan Mlakar up for a couple of matches when Kalinić was hurt. So selling the Croat, especially to a major rival, could be seen as a serious lapse in judgement.

On the other hand, di Marzio claims that the Rossoneri are offering €30 million for him. That’s a lot of money, especially for a 29-year-old that the Viola bought from Dnipro for just €5.5 million. Too, there are whispers that the newly-rich Milanese are also considering a move for unsettled Chelsea striker Diego Costa, and I, for one, would much rather face the Slender Man twice a season than a powerhouse like Costa.

Losing Kalinić would also give Babacar his first opportunity to lead the line on a regular basis, which his talent and exemplary patience have surely earned. Given Vincenzo Montella‘s penchant for raiding his old club—first Matías Fernández, now maybe Milan Badelj and Kalinić—it’s a deal that could benefit everyone involved, and could go a long way towards helping Fiorentina in what looks likely to be a rebuilding year with a focus on young talent.