Fiorentina director denies Chelsea approach for Marcos Alonso

Because life can never be simple or uncomplicated when it comes to transfer rumors, here's Fiorentina sporting director Carlos Freitas to pour cold water over the steadily simmering Marcos Alonso rumors.

"At the moment he's a Fiorentina player.  So far no club has come to ask for our best players."

Freitas was talking at the official unveiling of La Viola's latest signings, including center back Carlos Salcedo who could conceivably slot into the back-three where Alonso was deployed over the weekend.

The Fiorentina director seemed to leave the door slightly open, provided Chelsea make a good enough offer.

"We want to defend our best players and strengthen the team, taking into account the financial balance of the club. We'd like to keep our best players and make the Coach [Paulo Sousa] happy."

"As things stand the best are staying but, as I said, I want to remember that the financial balance of the club must meet the balance of the squad."

-Carlos Freitas; source: Football Italia

Initial rumors claimed the Chelsea were willing to meet La Viola's €25m asking price, but more recently, that price seems to have crept up closer to €30m.

Two days to go.