Well, Who Wouldn’t Pick Fiorentina Over Arsenal?

By: Martha | February 27th, 2007

Nineteen-year-old Azzurrini striker Arturo Lupoli, who is headed home to Italy this summer after three years in England, has told the press that he gleefully snubbed Arsenal’s offer a contract extension in favor a deal to join Fiorentina. Smart lad, that Arturo.

Despite some success on loan this season with Derby County in the Championship (including an FA Cup hat trick), Lupoli appears eager to return to Italy. Which, considering that his last experience at home was scoring 45 goals in 22 games as a U-17 player in Parma’s fabled youth set-up, is understandable. And, though the English press tried to make it sound like the most recent bout of fan violence was putting him off a return, it doesn’t even sound like the decision was a difficult one for the lad, who claims to already be house-hunting in Florence.

And let’s hear it for the Viola! They beat out not only Arsenal, but also Torino, Inter AND Milan for the lad’s services, and will sign him to a five-year deal in June. Holla!

Category: Rumors & News, Fiorentina, Serie A

Tags: Serie A, Arsenal, Derby County, Arturo Lupoli, Fiorentina, Azzurrini, Rumors -amp; News, Tag Index

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• tmc |  February 27th, 2007 at 12:13 pm

  
  
  

  I’m fan of both Fiorentina and the gunners, so I’ve been following Lupoli for awhile. I think I’d make the same move, but both of those teams are currently loaded with young, talented, attacking players. This is just one more reason why i viola should seriously consider selling Toni this summer, especially if someone offers them lots of Euros/Pounds. I think between Lupoli, Reginaldo and Pazzini there wouldn’t be too much trouble finding someone to play up top with Mutu. Plus, this sets up Fiorentina incredibly well for the future, albeit not quite as well as the Gunners are now.

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• Martha |  February 28th, 2007 at 4:20 pm

  
  
  

  Thanks for your thoughts on the deal, tmc — I know next to nothing about Lupoli. Regarding the Viola in general, I’m inclined to agree with you. I mentioned just a few weeks ago how surprisingly deep they were at striker, and the sale of Toni would bring in huge money while not (fingers crossed) leaving the club desperate for goals.

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