Fiorentina are considering a swap deal involving goalkeeper Neto and Juventus forward Sebastian Giovinco, according to reports.
Website Football Italia claims that Neto’s decision to not renew his contract with Fiorentina will push them to try and move him on in the transfer window.
The 25 year-old’s current deal expires in June and despite interest from Liverpool and Roma, it is believed his desire could be to make a switch to rivals Juventus.
With Fiorentina powerless to prevent such a deal, it is reported that they are looking to Giovinco as a possible makeweight to ensure they don’t get left empty-handed.
Whether Juventus would accept a swap for a player they don’t need straightaway and can wait to take on a free transfer is unclear, though with Giovinco also out of contract in June and largely out of favour, they may be willing to compromise if it guarantees them Neto and ensures relations remain amicable with Fiorentina.
Juventus are believed to see Neto as a long-term heir to Gianluigi Buffon. The Italy international is still considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but at 36 years-old, he can’t be expected to go on forever and it seems Juve want Neto to learn from him, before eventually stepping up to be first choice.
For Fiorentina, Romania international Ciprian Tătărușanu is expected to step in from now on, regardless of whether Neto goes this month or waits until June.
