Fiorentina make offer for Gremio midfielder Walace

After a couple days of scattered rumors, Sky mercato expert Gianluca Di Marzio today confirmed that Fiorentina have made a bid for Walace, a very young defensive midfielder for Brazilian club Gremio. Apparently the imposing physique and work rate of the Brazilian is exactly what Paulo Sousa is looking for in his new-look Viola.

The rumored bid is said to be of €2 million for a year's loan, which would be a mandatory permanent move for €5.5 million if Walace made a certain amount of appearances. That would also be the fixed price should he not make the necessary appearances, but still be wanted permanently by Fiorentina.

Walace has been one of the staples of Gremio's early season title push, playing 10 of their 11 games and generally impressing. The profile is certainly interesting, and certainly not the kind of player the Viola would have pursued with former mister Vincenzo Montella in charge.

To back up WhoScored.com's background, he has accrued 6 yellow cards in his 10 starts in the Brazilian Serie A, but he is also a solid short passer, with one of the highest completion percentages at the club. Gremio will be eager to hang on to the young talent some in Brazil are comparing to the next Paul Pogba with their season going so well, but the Viola will do their best to be persuasive.