Viola... In English!

Viola - AC Milan Megadeal Looming?

An interesting rumor is being reported by FirenzeViola.it.  According to their sources there is a real possibility that Sebastien Frey could move to Milan in exchange for Alberto Gilardino and Cristian Brocchi.

My take -- Ummm...  No thanks.  As many of you know, Brocchi is one of my all-time favorite players (I'm just a DM kinda guy).  Though I do believe that he would be a great addition to the team AND that Vieri and Brocchi together would be a great addition to the Firenze night life, what do we need Gila for?  We're already loaded with attackers.  Most importantly, though...  Who (on the planet) can replace Frey?

Papa Waigo - Vanden Borre Switch

The official website of FC Genoa has confirmed that the deal for the co-ownership switch of Anthony Vanden Borre and Papa Waigo has been concluded.  All that remains are the players' signatures and that is not expected to be problematic.

Vanden Borre is already meeting with his new teammates.

My take -- Anthony needs playing time to shine and I am sure he will find some with Genoa.  I'm not sure how he will grow defensively with the Griffoni, however.  I wonder how his Italian is coming along.  Konko is the only one I can think of who definitely speaks French.

Ufo's Future Still Unclear

The agent for Tomas Ujfalusi, Fiorentina's Czech RB/CB, told Teleradiostereo that the player could renew his contract and stay on in a Viola shirt.

"At the moment there is nothing new," said Giorgio De Giorgis.  "Clearly Fiorentina is his priority right now.  It is a serious club and demonstrated that last summer when it was said that Dainelli would leave yet the club managed to get him to prolong his expiring contract.  I cannot rule out that the same thing could happen with Tomas."

My take -- I just can't see Tomas staying.  He wants a new challenge.

Lupoli Set For Treviso Loan Switch

Expect young Fiorentina striker Arturo Lupoli to move on loan to Treviso in the next couple of days.  FirenzeViola is reporting that the €100k deal is being hurried through as Treviso would like the player to be active for this Saturday's match against Modena.

Rumors that had been linking the starlet with a loan spell to Reggina were on target but the Fiorentina front office apparently opted for the Treviso move as they felt that a move to Serie B would afford Lupoli more playing time than Reggina would afford.

My take -- Good move for all parties.  RAI International shows lots of Serie B matches on Saturdays so I will finally get to see the kid play.

Wolf In Zebra's Clothing?

Fiorentina: Udinese move for Lupoli

Rumors are spreading in Firenze that Udinese is interested in Viola starlet Arturo Lupoli, currently left out of the first team.  It seems that they have made an official offer.  Prandelli is stoic.  "If he wants to leave then he can go."

My take -- We want Zapata.

Sissoko Back On The Market?

Market: Sissoko to leave Liverpool.  Viola waiting in the wings?

This January could see Mohamed Sissoko (22-y-o) leave Liverpool.   The Mali-born midfielder, behind Javier Mascherano in Benitez' pecking order,  has shown signs of frustration that could lead the Reds to make plans to offload him.  There is no lack of teams wanting his services.  In Italia Juventus and Fiorentina have long been linked with the player.

My take -- There you go, tmc.

Lupoli To Be Loaned Out?

Fiorentina: Lupoli's agent at Viola HQ

Andrea D'Amico, agent for Arturo Lupoli, visited Fiorentina's headquarters Monday morning.  It is likely that D'Amico and the Viola society are working on a deal that would send the player out on loan in January to a club that would better allow him to showcase his abilities. 

My take -- Let's hope so.  He is a talent and could use the playing time.

Maduro Looms?

Maduro: Refusing to extend Ajax contract

Good news for Pantaleo Corvino.  Hedwiges Maduro, one of the targets of the Viola D.S., has turned down Ajax' offer to prolong his relationship with the Amsterdam club stating that he needs more time to come to a decision.  Maduro, already a regular in the full Dutch National side, is drawing the attentions of Europe's biggest clubs and surely Fiorentina will be entering the fray for his signature.

My take -- He would be great but I don't think we can offer the contract that the bigger clubs can.  Same old story.  I don't really see too many Dutch players in Serie A anymore.  Seedorf is the only one I can think of off the top of my head.

Or Will He Stay?

Mutu: I'm happy and I will not be leaving Firenze!

Following his national side's win over Holland, Adrian Mutu took questions from Romanian reporters.  Besides the match he was also asked about the interest being shown in him by Chelsea, Manchester City and the latest reports that Real Madrid has offered €20M to Fiorentina and €5M per year to Mutu.

The Viola phenom declared, "I have managed to accomplish the same thing with Fiorentina as I have been able to do with the Romanian National Team, I have become part of a family I really enjoy.  I am very fond of the squad, the city and the environment.  I'm happy and I'm not going anywhere."

Viola A.D. Sandro Mencucci, on Sfida Viola, proclaimed both Mutu and Frey as not transferable.

Will He Go?

Mutu: Real Madrid offers €20M to Fiorentina

According the the internet site Sport.ES, Real Madrid have made an offer of €20M to Fiorentina for Adrian Mutu.  The report goes on to say that the Spanish club has offered the player a contract of €5M per year.

My take -- We could do a lot with €20M...  But could we get another Mutu?