Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso has underlined his desire to keep hold of Dusan Vlahovic amid reported interest from Tottenham and Manchester City.
The Serbia international has long been linked with a move to Spurs, who could be forced into the market for a striker by the possible loss of Harry Kane to City in this transfer window.
However, it was reported on Wednesday that Pep Guardiola s men could well look to cut out the middle man and simply target the prolific Vlahovic themselves.
That does not look to be a particularly straightforward move either, with Fiorentina determined to keep hold of their star man.
I said from the first day that I wanted to keep Vlahovic, just like I did with Federico Chiesa, Commisso said of the forward, whose contract expires in 2023, to ANSA.
I spoke to Vlahovic the other day and believe he wants to stay in Florence, but then when family, agents and offers get involved…
You never know where it s going to go, but I hope and think he will remain.
Commisso has recently come under fire for his running of Fiorentina since a 2019 takeover of the club was completed.
However, while the Italian-born businessman described last season as disappointing , he defended his overall record at the helm.
It s only right that I remind them that when I took over, Fiorentina were in 16th place and in one year I took them to 10th position, he added.
No other foreign owners, after buying one of the most important clubs in Serie A, managed to improve their level by six places in the first year.
As I said many times, last season was disappointing, but that does not authorise anyone to talk about a failed project, because that is not true.
If someone wants to kick me out of Florence, then step forward and purchase Fiorentina. I don t see anyone walking up to the Viola door with money in hand. So far, all I ve heard is cheap gossip.
