Fiorentina director Daniele Pradè insists Arkadiusz Milik ‘didn’t turn us down,’ the right offer never came for Nikola Milenkovic or German Pezzella, while Lucas Martinez Quarta is Daniel Passerella’s heir.
The Viola had an active final few days of the transfer window, bringing in Jose Callejon to replace Juventus-bound Federico Chiesa, but Milik did not arrive from Napoli.
Fiorentina director Daniele Pradè insists Arkadiusz Milik ‘didn’t turn us down,’ the right offer never came for Nikola Milenkovic or German Pezzella, while Lucas Martinez Quarta is Daniel Passerella’s heir.
The Viola had an active final few days of the transfer window, bringing in Jose Callejon to replace Juventus-bound Federico Chiesa, but Milik did not arrive from Napoli.
“Milik’s position was always clear, he wanted to remain at Napoli and he achieved his aim. It’s not that he said no to Fiorentina, he said no to every offer on the market,” said Pradè in his press conference.
“I think people are underestimating the importance of bringing in Callejon, as he waited for us to the end. I am pleased that Callejon is in Florence rather than Chiesa, as he is someone we can rely upon.
“I think we have one of the best midfields in Italy. We also have three centre-forwards, because we could’ve sold Christian Kouame to England for a lot of money, while Dusan Vlahovic and Patrick Cutrone has numerous offers.”
Another player who had been expected to leave was Milenkovic, the defender targeted by Milan, Napoli and Inter.
“Both Milenkovic and German Pezzella would’ve left for the right offer, but that never arrived. We will try to renew Milenkovic’s contract, and if he doesn’t accept, we will sell next year.
“Pezzella didn’t bring in any offers, so we’ll try to extend his deal too.”
There is a new defender in the side, as Lucas Martinez Quarta was purchased from River Plate.
“We had already wanted to sign Lucas last year, but the price was much higher. We did well to be aggressive on this deal, but negotiations with clubs in Argentina are never easy.
“The player always showed he wanted to join us and we believe in him very much. Daniel Passerella advised us to sign him and said this player can be his heir. Walter Samuel and Nicolas Burdisso also spoke highly of him.”