Fiorentina take tough stance on midfielder’s exit amid Barcelona rumours – report

Barcelona has not seen a calm deadline day since Joan Laporta arrived at the helm for his second term. Much like their situation in the last winter market when they pushed the limits to bring in Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, the Catalans are once again in a last-minute scramble.

This time around, the target in mind is Sofyan Amrabat. The Moroccan International was a key part of the Moroccan setup that defied all odds and entered the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup last year and has seen a significant surge in stocks since.

According to reports from Daniele Longo, Barcelona are insistent on signing the midfielder despite having their opening bid rejected by Fiorentina. The player wishes to play for the Blaugranas and is waiting for their move.

Giacomo Iacobellis, meanwhile, brings forth the Italians’ perspective on the deal and states that Fiorentina deny any chance of Amrabat’s departure.

The Serie A side are firm that he will continue with the team until the summer and also deny reports that did not train with the group earlier today.

The 26-year-old has made 17 league appearances for the Italians this season and averages over five defensive actions per game. That figure went up to nine in his recent campaign in Qatar.

Barcelona made an inaugural proposal of signing the midfielder on loan until the end of the season with a permanent purchase clause attached. The overall deal was worth a figure close to €40 million but was deemed insufficient by Fiorentina’s management. 

Negotiations will proceed in the coming hours, as Barcelona are desperate to make deadline-day reinforcements for the long season ahead. The question, however, is – where will the Moroccan fit into the already crowded Blaugrana midfield?