Fiorentina enter race with AS Roma for ex-Chelsea wonderkid waiting for Nigeria Super Eagles call-up

Fiorentina have emerged as serious contenders to sign Anglo-Nigerian midfielder Faustino Anjorin from Empoli, joining Serie A rivals AS Roma in the race for the former Chelsea academy graduate, Soccernet.ng reports.

Anjorin, 23, is attracting attention following Empoli’s relegation to Serie B. Despite being under contract until 2027, the club could be forced to cash in on the talented midfielder to balance the books.

According to FiorentinaUno, Fiorentina officials discussed Anjorin during recent negotiations with Empoli to finalise the €10 million transfer of Jacopo Fazzini.

The versatile Anjorin is said to have long been admired by Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso and other senior figures at the club, with updates expected in the coming weeks.

Nigeria’s Anjorin, watched by Roma

Roma, meanwhile, remain firmly in the mix.

Forza Roma reports that the Giallorossi are weighing up a bid and are willing to include loanees Luigi Cherubini and Jan Oliveras in a part-exchange offer to lower Empoli’s €10 million asking price.

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Chelsea, who allowed Anjorin to join Empoli permanently in August 2024, would be entitled to a portion of any future transfer fee due to a sell-on clause in the deal.

Anjorin impressed in the closing stages of the Serie A season, scoring twice in five games after returning from injury. In total, he registered five goal contributions in 22 league appearances.

Eligible to play for both England and Nigeria, Anjorin is reportedly open to switching allegiance. Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle is said to be tracking his progress ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Anjorin has previously had loan spells with Lokomotiv Moscow, Huddersfield Town, and Portsmouth while at Chelsea.