Fiorentina refutes Bernardeschi's link to Inter

Fiorentina is tired of hearing speculation linking its star winger, Federico Bernardeschi, with a move to Inter.

So much so that La Viola released a statement on its official website Saturday, targeting Italian football journalist Massimo Caputi for his claim that Fiorentina has agreed to sell Bernardeschi to Inter this summer.

"ACF Fiorentina categorically deny repeated claims made by journalist Massimo Caputi that the club has agreed to sell Federico Bernardeschi to Inter," the statement read.

"Such reports are utterly groundless and far removed from reality."

Bernardeschi, 23, signed an extension with Fiorentina in July 2015 that is slated to keep him at the Stadio Artemio Franchi through 2019. The seven-time capped Italian international emerged from the club's academy in 2013.

With 12 goals and five assists in all competitions this season, it's easy to see why La Viola wants to keep hold of Bernardeschi, and explains why the club took the unconventional approach of directly refuting the claim.

"Bernardeschi has always declared and demonstrated his loyalty to the Viola cause and the club has stressed its intention to keep the player in Florence," the statement added.

"We therefore ask Mr. Caputi and anyone else to refrain from making such false claims."