Fiorentina have entered negotiations with Trabzonspor for Christ Inao Oulai as the Serie A club seeks to reinforce its midfield, though they face growing competition from domestic and English rivals.
The 20-year-old Ivorian international has attracted significant interest following his performances in the Turkish Super Lig. Brentford have already had a €25m bid rejected by Trabzonspor, who are holding out for a higher fee, while Nottingham Forest also remain interested in the midfielder.
Multiple clubs circling
Juventus have emerged as the latest contenders for Oulai’s signature, joining Fiorentina, RB Leipzig and Brighton in monitoring the situation. The Bianconeri are prioritising young talents over older players with high salaries, though they are also considering free agents Franck Kessié and Leon Goretzka.
Trabzonspor are seeking between €23m and €25m for the player, but sources suggest they aim to exceed the €25m mark already turned down from England. Complicating matters further, Oulai’s former club Bastia hold a 20% sell-on clause, meaning the Turkish side must maximise the transfer fee to protect their return.
Player profile and Fiorentina’s rebuild
Oulai joined Trabzonspor from French side SC Bastia just over a year ago for €5.5m and contributed two goals and four assists across 25 league appearances last term. His development has accelerated since moving to Turkey, with his performances at international level adding to his rising profile.
The potential arrival forms part of Fiorentina’s urgent squad overhaul after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. New coach Fabio Grosso, appointed this summer, is driving recruitment efforts as he attempts to rebuild a side that struggled throughout the previous campaign.
Outgoing business possible
Meanwhile, Fiorentina could face departures of their own. Turkish giants Fenerbahce have enquired about striker Moise Kean, who possesses a €62m release clause valid only between July 1 and July 15. The Italy international’s contract runs until June 2029, though fitness issues disrupted his availability last term.
For Oulai, the coming weeks will determine whether Fiorentina can fend off competition from Juventus and the Premier League to secure the midfielder’s services, or whether Trabzonspor’s valuation proves prohibitive for the Viola.