Thursday 22 May, 2008

Fiorentina are ready to invest heavily to reinforce their squad ahead of next season's Champions League campaign.

The Viola have already completed deals for Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo and Partizan Belgrade starlet Stevan Jovetic, while Tomas Ujfalusi has left for Atletico Madrid.

Compared to the past few seasons, sporting director Pantaleo Corvino [pictured] can now afford to spend big in the market. However, it won't be easy to meet all Coach Cesare Prandelli's requests.

Peruvian full-back Juan Vargas is top of the Viola's wish list, but Catania won't settle for anything less than £10m for their prize asset.

However, the Sicilians are reportedly interested in striker Daniele Cacia, which means the negotiations could end positively for both sides with an exchange deal.

Fiorentina are also close to Torino captain Gianluca Comotto, while Andrea Barzagli is expected to sign for the Gigliati before Euro 2008.

But the big name on Viola lips this summer is undoubtedly Alberto Gilardino, who may leave Milan in order to rejoin his former Parma boss Prandelli.

Milan could accept a £12m bid from Corvino and the striker is delighted at the opportunity to play Champions League football.

Gila could even accept a pay cut to move to Florence, since his £2.5m yearly wage is well above the Tuscans' salary cap.

Meanwhile, Portuguese defender Manuel Da Costa could leave Fiorentina on loan this summer. According to the player's agent, Franjo Vranjkovic, Sampdoria are already interested.

“He is young and needs to play. It is likely that Fiorentina will decide to loan him out for the next season, but the Blucerchiati are not the only team interested.” he stated.

Da Costa may not be the only one to leave the Franchi, since Fabio Liverani and Manuel Pasqual have already been linked with moves.

Christian Vieri is also widely expected to leave Tuscany as soon as his contract ends in June.