Talks between West Ham United and Fiorentina over Nikola Milenkovic’s long-awaited switch to the Premier League are reportedly well underway. According to Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol, both sides are ‘optimistic’ about completing the deal on short notice.
Despite Fiorentina’s utmost efforts to fend off Milenkovic’s suitors last summer, La Viola are now pinned to the corner, given the defender’s contractual situation. With less than a year remaining on his current deal at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, the 23-year-old has become a disposable figure in Tuscany.
After Everton, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur all lining up Milenkovic as a potential defensive target, West Ham are now closest to wrapping up a deal with Fiorentina. The Hammers are reportedly in a hurry to close things out with the Serie A outfit, afraid of the prospect of seeing their pursuit hijacked by other suitors.
Chelsea’s fringe centre-back Kurt Zouma was David Moyes’ first-choice target earlier in the summer. However, the Stamford Bridge side’s whopping demands have scared West Ham off, forcing them to search for alternate options. That’s where Milenkovic’s name has popped up.
After navigating his side to the Europa League group stage, Moyes is keen to reinforce several squad areas, including his backline. Given his consistency and vast future potential, Milenkovic would be a massive coup for West Ham. And it seems Moyes is well aware of that.
Milenkovic has spent the last four years at Fiorentina, establishing himself as one of the most reliable centre-backs in Italy. Indeed, the ex-Partizan Belgrade academy graduate carries a reputation as one of the most exciting up-and-coming defenders in Europe’s top-five divisions.
In addition to playing at the heart of the backline, Milenkovic is also comfortable operating on a right-back. In fact, he spent most of the second half of the 2020/21 campaign covering the right-back position with style and dignity. Therefore, growing foreign interest in his services comes as no surprise.
On the other hand, Fiorentina have already prepared themselves for life after Milenkovic. Matija Nastasic, who spent one season in Tuscany, is on the cusp of returning to the club. The Serb is close to penning a contract in Serie A following Schalke’s relegation from the Bundesliga last season.