In late June Fiorentina announced that after five years at the club that Adrian Mutu had left to join Cesena on a two year deal. A statement on the official Viola website read; “ACF Fiorentina communicates to have sold Adrian Mutu to Cesena on a permanent basis. The club wishes to thank Adrian for his work over the past few seasons and wish him all the best for the future.”

Cesena President Igor Capmedelli was quoted as saying “I am satisfied with the arrival of Mutu. We have been wanting to him to wear this jersey for months and we are very proud this happened”, while the player himself said; “I am enthusiastic and i cannot wait to start this adventure. I want to thank the president for having put me at the centre of this ambitious project.”

With the sale of Mutu, the key role behind striker Alberto Gilardino has been shifted to the returning Stevan Jovetic. The Montenegrin missed the whole of the last campaign after picking up a very serious knee injury just weeks before the start of the season but now with his agent says that player is indeed ready to go for pre-season and indeed the season ahead. Fiorentina really struggled last year as Coach Sinsa Mihajlovic was ready to build a team around the young star meaning his services were really missed and next season will be a big one for Jovetic after a year out of the limelight.

A player that does look like being on his way out of Florence is midfielder Riccardo Montolivo. A target for Milan, the player has admitted he wants to leave the club. Sporting Director Pantaleo Corvino told Sportmedia;

“We have been clear with Montolivo. I asked his agent if he wanted to continue with us, but the response was that a decision has been made. Having looked at Montolivo’s will, we will see what solutions the transfer market offer us. We only want motivated players for our future.”

Rossoneri coach Massimo Allegri sees Montolivo as a direct replacement for Andrea Pirlo who himself departed for Juventus. Milan actually made a bid for the midfielder which included Antonio Cassano plus £5.3m put it was rejected. Fiorentina are willing to listen for an offer for around £8.8m plus the 100% registration of Antonio Cassano.

A player who should stay in Florence is Alberto Gilardino. Recently the striker has been linked with moves to France and Spain as well as other Italian clubs but he has a contract with the club until 2013. His agent Beppe Bozzo - who also represents Antonio Cassano - was quoted on Sky Sport Italia “If offers arrive they will be evaluated with the club. If a top offer comes in the club may decide to let him go.” The striker has stated that he is more than happy to stay but if an offer comes in for him he did not offer guarantees he would stay at the club.

Another player who’s future is uncertain is keeper Sebastian Frey. He has missed the last six months of the season due to a severe knee injury and has seen his number one spot go to Arthur Boruc. Frey was a target for Genoa as they are looking to loan out Eduardo to Portuguese side Benfica. Fiorentina were looking for a fee around £3.5m plus Robert Acquafresca. But it now looks like the deal has gone cold and Frey may now be staying at the club, ready to duel it out for the starting berth.

Fiorentina are known for bring in young talent and a few players that have come into the side, foremost among which are defender Michele Camporese and the raw young striker Khouma Babacar. Both players have really impressed and have shown enough glimpses of quality that indicate they have a bright future. Camporese is a product of the youth team and has made nine appearances last season, scoring one goal. He made his debut against Empoli in the Coppa Italia where Fiorentina won 1-0. Then under a month later he made his league debut against Milan, replacing the injured Cesar Natali at half time. He scored his first goal for the club in February of this year against Palermo and Internationally has represented the U-17, U-19 and U-21 Italy sides.

Eighteen year old Senegalese prospect Babacar was signed by Fiorentina in 2008 and under 18 months later he was brought into the senior side by former coach Cesare Prandelli, making a goal-scoring debut against Chievo at a tender 16 years of age. He scored his first league goal for the club in a 3-0 win over Genoa. Last season he found himself coming off the bench and showing his strength and his raw pace. He has represented Senegal at u-17 level and u-21 level.

Next season could be an exciting season for la Viola with the return of the Montenegrin Messi in Stevan Jovetic and with Juan Manual Vargas showing form at the Coppa America for Peru. Fiorentina could be in for a stellar season.