Italy

Juventus Chief Giovanni Cobolli Gigli: Felipe Melo Deal Is Not Done Yet

The Bianconeri president says negotiations are ongoing, insisting it’s not time to pop the champagne…

Jul 8, 2009 10:59:48 AM

Felipe Melo, Fiorentina's Brazilian midfielder (Grazia Neri)

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Felipe Melo, Fiorentina's Brazilian midfielder (Grazia Neri)

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Press reports in Italy claim that Juventus struck a deal with Fiorentina last night to sign Brazilian international midfielder Felipe Melo, however, the deal still has to be polished off, according to the Old Lady's boss.

Juve are expected to pay €20 million in cash plus give the Viola the full services of winger Marco Marchionni to activate the €25m clause included in the player’s new deal with the Gigliati.

But Juve president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli was in no mood to celebrate as he arrived at the Lega Calcio headquarters this morning.

“He is not our player yet,” he told Sky Sport 24. “There have been negotiations and [those] are still underway, but the transfer is not official. When it is, you will be informed.”

Felipe Melo only joined Fiorentina from Almeria last summer and Juve have apparently beaten off competition from Premier League club Arsenal to capture the 26-year-old.

“Do I like Melo? That’s not up for debate but, as I said, it’s not done yet. I hope it will be soon, though,” concluded Cobolli Gigli.

Vince Masiello, Goal.com