Fiorentina are on the verge of signing Matija Nastasic from Schalke. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, La Viola are sorting out the final details of the transfer.
Matija Nastasic Set to Return to Fiorentina
The Serbian Will Move to Italy Following Schalke’s Relegation
Fiorentina is closing in on signing Serbian defender Matija Nastasic from Schalke. The 28-year-old will reportedly cost La Viola around €2-3 million for the services of the Serbian. The future of the defender was always in doubt following Schalke’s relegation from Bundesliga last season.
Fiorentina had been on the search for a new defensive reinforcement this season. The club had a poor defensive record and finished last season with the joint seventh-worst defensive record in Serie A. The Serbian will be the second player to arrive at the Artemio Franchi after Nico Gonzalez.
Nastasic joined Fiorentina in 2011 from Serbian giants Partizan after catching the eye of La Viola sporting director. However, the Serbian spent just one season at the Artemio Franchi. Despite his short spell, the defender caught the eye following an impressive performance against AC Milan. Nastasic made 29 appearances in one year with the Italian side. The Serbian’s impressive performances saw Manchester City signing the defender in 2012.
Nastasic joined Schalke in 2015 after a disappointing three seasons in England. The Serbian established himself in the Schalke backline following his arrival and has been part of Schalke since. During the six years at the club, Nastasic has made 157 appearances for the German side. But following their relegation, the Serbian was unlikely to stay in the Ruhr region.
Nikola Milenkovic Potentially on the Way Out
The arrival of Nastasic could potentially open the door for Nikola Milenkovic’s exit. The 23-year-old Serbian is reportedly close to joining West Ham United. The Hammers have been in search of a centre-back this summer. With Nastasic arriving, Fiorentina could allow Milenkovic to move out of the club.
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