Fiorentina director Joe Barone reiterates they will not increase their contract extension offer to Dusan Vlahovic, while Lille winger Jonathan Ikone is ‘interesting.’

The Viola are in action against Benevento this evening in the Coppa Italia Round of 32 and Barone spoke to Mediaset, where naturally he was asked about the Serbian striker.

“We made our proposal and it will not change. Both Dusan and his agents did not accept. People ought to have recognition for an environment that gave them so much,” said Barone.

“Our proposal increased and increased, but at a certain point we had to set a limit. This club used to have €90m revenue and now after COVID and various other issues, it’s around €72m, so we must take that into account.

“There are limits, there must be respect for the group and there are areas where Fiorentina simply cannot go.”

Vlahovic’s current contract is due to expire in June 2023, so a summer sale seems guaranteed, if nobody comes in with the asking price in January.

Tottenham Hotspur remain the favourites, although it is reported the player would prefer Juventus.

Barone was asked about potential January signings, especially after multiple reports in France and Italy that a deal is already done for Ikone.

He is set to join from LOSC for €21m, including performance-related bonuses.

“I think we’ll do something in January, we are ready to be active,” added the director.

“Ikone is a Lille player, an interesting player, and we are keeping an eye on the situation. However, it’s pointless talking about Ikone while he is playing for Lille.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tickets Kit Collector