Speaking recently on the Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano revealed a West Ham United bid for ACF Fiorentina centre-back, Nikola Milenkovic, as well as the possibility of the Hammers returning for the defender this summer.
Since joining Fiorentina from FK Partizan Belgrade in what was a £4.59 million deal back in the summer of 2017, Milenkovic has so far gone on to feature 120 times for La Viola, chipping in with 10 goals and providing one assist along the way.
So far this season, the £25.2 million-rated 23-year-old has highly impressed over his 21 Serie A appearances for Cesare Prandelli’s side, scoring two goals and providing one assist, as well as making an average of 1.6 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 3.2 clearances and winning 3.5 aerial duels, culminating in an average WhoScored match rating of 6.91 – ranking him as the club’s best performer in the Italian top flight, of players who remain at Fiorentina.
And, speaking on a recent episode of the Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano revealed that West Ham had a bid rejected for the Serbia international in September, before discussing whether the Hammers could return for the defender in the summer.
He said: “First of all, Milenkovic is not going to extend his contract with Fiorentina. He has only one year [remaining on his] contract that he is not going to extend, so he’s leaving the club this summer.
“And, in September, West Ham offered €25 million for Milenkovic and Fiorentina said no – they were asking for €40 million. In my opinion, they can’t ask for €40 million this summer with only one year of [his] contract [remaining]. He wants to change. So, we will see.
“But, at the moment, the situation with West Ham is totally cold – they are not looking at this kind of target right now. But, for sure, Milenkovic has always been scouted by English clubs, and in particular by West Ham and Manchester United. Let’s see what happens next summer because I’m sure he has a huge chance to move to the Premier League.”
Would Milenkovic be a good signing?
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TIF Thoughts on Fabrizio Romano’s comments regarding Nikola Milenkovic…
From Romano’s comments, it would indeed appear as if West Ham were very interested in the signing of Milenkovic last summer, so much so the Hammers offered the Serie A side €25 million (£21.6 million) for the centre-back.
And, if Romano is to be believed, with the 23-year-old’s contract expiring in the summer of 2022 and the defender being unwilling to agree an extension with Fiorentina, it would seem likely La Viola will want to move the €29k per week (£25k) centre-back on this summer, and for considerably less than their original asking price of €40 million (£34.6 million).
As such, should West Ham decide to reignite their interest in Milenkovic, it would seem there could be something of a bargain to be had in the signing of the defender this summer.