The future of in-demand Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic is hanging in the balance as Inter and Juventus retain their interest in the Serb. As per Calciomercato, the player’s entourage Fali Ramadani will meet La Viola in the coming days to discuss his client’s situation.
Milenkovic was an unused substitute as Fiorentina thumped Italian lower-league outfit Triestina 4-0 on Saturday. Despite staying on the bench, the 24-year-old earned plaudits from his manager Vincenzo Italiano in the aftermath. The Italian tactician admitted he would like to keep hold of his defensive mainstay in the post-match conference.
“I hope that Nikola will remain a Fiorentina player. It’s not easy to find someone so clearly enmeshed in our idea of football,” Italiano said, as relayed by Fiorentinanews. “He’s a great professional and if we were to bring someone else in, it would take time to get him up to speed.
“He is a top-level player, who will be at the World Cup, so I hope he will remain with us.“
Despite Italiano’s genuine wish to make Milenkovic stay at Artemio Franchi, he could be on his way out in the coming weeks. Inter and Juventus are going head-to-head to sign the Partizan Belgrade youth academy graduate.
After completing a blockbuster deal for Gleison Bremer, one would think that Juventus’ interest has subsided. But Giorgio Chiellini’s departure for MLS franchise Los Angeles forces Massimiliano Allegri to take at least another top-class defender to Turin.
Meanwhile, Inter fell short in their bid to sign Bremer. And with Milan Skriniar seemingly on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain, a new defender is a necessity. And Simone Inzaghi wants Milenkovic to fill the need.
The Serbian centre-back’s deal at Fiorentina runs until next summer. So La Viola can either cash in on him in the coming weeks or accept the risk of losing him on a free transfer 12 months from now.