Serie A sides Fiorentina and Bologna have entered the race to sign Empoli midfielder Faustino Anjorin, joining AS Roma in what could become one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer tussles, Footynaija.com reports.
Anjorin, 23, joined Empoli permanently from Chelsea in August 2024 and has emerged as a prime transfer target following Empoli’s relegation to Serie B. Despite being under contract until 2027, the club may be forced to sell the Anglo-Nigerian talent to ease financial pressure.
Fiorentina have reportedly discussed Anjorin’s name during recent negotiations with Empoli over the €10 million signing of Jacopo Fazzini. The midfielder is understood to be highly regarded by Viola president Rocco Commisso, with further developments expected soon.
As per Sky Sports via Yahoo, Bologna are interested while Roma remain keen on the former Chelsea prospect and are exploring ways to bring the transfer fee down. The Giallorossi could propose a player-swap deal involving young loanees Luigi Cherubini and Jan Oliveras.
Anjorin, a former England youth international eligible to play for Nigeria, impressed late in the Serie A season with two goals in his final five games. He finished the campaign with five goal contributions in 22 appearances — a strong return considering he missed a large chunk of the season through injury.
Chelsea reportedly inserted a sell-on clause in his deal with Empoli, meaning the Blues could benefit from any future move.
Anjorin’s international future remains a talking point. Though yet to make a senior debut for either nation, Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle is monitoring his progress closely with a view to a potential call-up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.