Despite being labelled as all but done by the Italian media, the transfer of Mario Pasalic on loan from Chelsea to Fiorentina has yet to be made official.
The reason behind that, from various reports over the past few days, is the Blues’ current focus on sorting out their managerial situation, with everything sorting itself out after that.
However, this delay gave Atalanta an idea, as Gazzetta dello Sport report the Serie A side made an attempt to hijack Fiorentina’s transfer for the Chelsea midfielder.
While incredibly bold, the move backfired quite spectacularly when the Bergamo-based club discovered Pasalic and his entourage had no interest in changing their mind, having already given their word to La Viola.
The transfer of the Croatian midfielder is due to be a loan with a view to buy, allowing Stefano Pioli to assess the 23-year-old before deciding whether to keep him permanently.
Pasalic spent last season with Spartak Moscow, making 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and picking up one assist along the way.
