Out-of-favour Atalanta goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini is on the verge of joining Fiorentina on a season-long loan with an option to buy. As per Fabrizio Romano, the 27-year-old goalkeeper will move to Artemio Franchi, as La Viola and La Dea have struck an agreement.
Gollini will spend next season on loan at Fiorentina, after which they will have an option to make the deal permanent for €8m. Vincenzo Italiano alternated Pietro Terracciano and Bartlomiej Dragowski between the sticks last season.
With both keepers performing in patches, Fiorentina have decided they need a new shot-stopper. The choice has fallen on Gollini, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur. But the 27-year-old experienced an underwhelming stint in the Premier League.
Brought in to play understudy to Hugo Lloris, the Italian made just ten competitive appearances last season. He failed to convince Antonio Conte, as witnessed by his zero outings in the Premier League. As such, Spurs opted against taking up the buyout clause.
They instead secured the services of veteran keeper Fraser Forster. The ex-Southampton man joined Tottenham as a new backup option for Lloris. After running down his contract at St Mary’s Stadium, the 34-year-old has moved to London as a free agent.
As for Gollini, he has no place in Gian Piero Gasperini’s plans. Juan Musso was Atalanta’s first-choice goalie last season. Despite the Argentine’s mixed performances in his maiden season at the Gewiss Stadium, he will remain Gasperini’s number one choice next term.
Following a tormenting season in England, Gollini may need time to regain his confidence. Therefore, he is unlikely to be Italiano’s first option at Fiorentina next season. But he should have better chances of securing regular first-team in Florence than it was the case in London.