Fiorentina have revived their pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Johan Bakayoko after their attempts to sign Ernest Poku fell through, leaving the Dutch forward free to complete a move to Besiktas instead.
The Viola reignited their interest in the Belgian international as manager Fabio Grosso pushes for an orthodox wide player to complete his squad before the transfer window shuts. The urgent requirement for reinforcements became apparent following Monday’s 4-0 defeat away to Roma, a result that exposed deficiencies in Fiorentina’s attacking width and options.
Poku joins Italiano at Besiktas
Fiorentina had initially identified Poku as the solution to their wide forward problem, but negotiations collapsed during advanced stages. The Dutch attacker is now set to link up with former Viola head coach Vincenzo Italiano in Istanbul.
Italiano, who departed Florence earlier this year after leading the club to consecutive eighth-place finishes, recently took charge at the Turkish giants. His presence appears to have influenced Poku’s decision, denying Grosso a player who had been earmarked for a key role in the squad rebuild.
Nkunku arrival may unlock Bakayoko deal
Securing Bakayoko from the German club depends partly on their own recruitment. Leipzig are expected to confirm the signing of Christopher Nkunku from Milan within hours, a substantial addition that could prompt them to sanction Bakayoko’s departure for the right price.
The Florence club have tracked the Belgian winger for several weeks but delayed their approach due to difficult market conditions and the significant investment required. Grosso requires a natural wide player to implement his preferred 4-3-3 system, which he has been unable to utilise effectively with the current personnel.
Outgoing deals face obstacles
Sporting director Fabio Paratici is simultaneously working to reduce the squad size, though several situations remain unresolved. Striker Moise Kean’s future hinges on whether Como submit an improved offer, with reports suggesting a bid could arrive on Wednesday.
Midfielder Rolando Mandragora attracts interest from Genoa, yet Fiorentina’s €10 million valuation presents a stumbling block. The Ligurian side are unlikely to meet that figure without first generating funds through their own player sales.
Several other squad members are considered available for transfer. The list includes right-back Dodo, midfielders Nicolo Fagioli and Marco Brescianini, and forward Giovanni Fabbian. However, concrete proposals for these individuals have yet to materialise, complicating Paratici’s efforts to create roster space and financial flexibility.
With the transfer window entering its final phase, Fiorentina face a race against time to secure the wide attacker Grosso desperately needs while resolving the futures of multiple fringe players.