Fiorentina director Daniele Prade has claimed that the Serie A club have not spoken to Tottenham regarding Giovani Lo Celso despite reports to the contrary over recent days.
Over the last few days, it has emerged that Villarreal have stepped up their efforts to re-sign Lo Celso (Fabrizio Romano). However, Italian publications have continued to claim that Fiorentina are still in the race for the Argentine’s signature.
La Nazione (08/08/22 via Fiorentina.it) reported on Monday that the Viola were set to meet with the midfielder’s entourage on Thursday to discuss a move to the Artemio Franchi Stadium.
Sky Sport Italia subsequently stated yesterday that Vincenzo Italiano’s side are ‘increasingly confident’ of winning the race for Lo Celso as Villarreal’s attempts to sign the Tottenham man could be thwarted by the La Liga’s FFP regulations.
These reports have been in stark contrast to those emanating from Spain, which suggest the 26-year-old is now ‘close’ to sealing a return to El Madrigal (Matteo Moretto).
Prade has now clarified that Fiorentina have never been in the race to sign the midfielder.
When asked about the club’s rumoured interest in Lo Celso, he told TMW: “We have never talked to Tottenham, not once. The player is strong and you know that.
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“We attacked the transfer market early, now we have to make some exits and then, if there are, we will evaluate opportunities. But we trust who we have. We are happy with the group”.
Spurs Web Opinion
I suspect one of the main reasons Fiorentina had to abandon their pursuit of Lo Celso was that the player made it clear that he wants to return to Villarreal. At this point, it looks like the Argentine will join the La Liga club on loan with an option to buy rather than an obligation, which is not what Spurs would have been hoping for at the start of the summer.
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