Italy Under-21 international Tommaso Baldanzi admits he ‘hopes to be the next to leave Empoli for a big club’ after links with Milan, Juventus, Fiorentina and Napoli.
The creative midfielder was one of the key figures in the Azzurrini team that reached the Under-20 World Cup Final over the summer.
He has been promoted to the Under-21 level and spoke at a press conference for the squad, where he was asked about his future at club level.
“There have been many players at Empoli who were fortunate enough to go to big clubs. I am very happy to have stayed here this season, but obviously I hope to be the next to leave Empoli for a big club,” said the 20-year-old.
“Personally, so far I have not received any calls.”
However, Empoli made no secret of the fact they had been approached by several top sides asking for Baldanzi, turning them down so that he can continue his development at the Stadio Castellani.
Milan, Napoli and Juventus were the main contenders for his signature, while Fiorentina also looked at him while they were negotiating the transfer of Fabiano Parisi over the summer.
He has four goals in 30 Serie A appearances and plays as a trequartista, a creative midfielder or even a striker.