Peruvian midfielder Erick Noriega has caught the attention of two Serie A clubs, Como and Fiorentina, according to Brazilian journalist Fábio Vargas. The Gremio player, nicknamed the “Samurái”, is reportedly being watched with a view to a possible move ahead of 2027.
Vargas shared the information through his account on X, saying both Italian sides are following the progress of the 26-year-old closely. Noriega is enjoying a strong run at Gremio, where he played in the Copa do Brasil final and helped the team in its fight to stay in the top flight.
Como and Fiorentina interested
Como, the surprise package of the Italian season, are coached by Cesc Fàbregas, who has built an ambitious project on the shores of Lake Como. The club already has Francesco Andrealli in its ranks, a young defender who is also in Peru’s squad, which suggests Fàbregas has a good view of Peruvian football.
Fiorentina also have a history with Peruvian players. Juan Manuel Vargas wore the viola shirt and left a lasting mark on the club. More recently, the Florentine side strengthened its links to Peru by signing central defender Viery for 15 million euros, and Noriega is now reportedly among the names on their list.
Noriega and Gremio’s position
Noriega has never hidden his desire to play in Europe, and he has long described a move to the Old Continent as a personal goal. However, at the time of Vargas’s report, neither Italian club had made a formal offer.
Gremio are not rushing into any decision. The club does not plan to sell one of its key players in the January transfer window, but it has not closed the door completely. According to Vargas’s source, a bid that exceeds the club’s expectations could change the situation, and the value of any offer will be decisive.
Peru duty first
Before his future is settled, Noriega has commitments with Peru. He flew to Lima from Brazil to join national team training under Brazilian coach Mano Menezes. Speaking on his arrival, he said he was happy to be back with the group and focused on the friendly.
Asked about the possibility of becoming Peru’s captain one day, he did not rule it out but was cautious, saying he would accept the responsibility if the chance came but that he still had experienced captains to learn from. He also spoke about his role with the younger players who have recently joined the squad, explaining that he has passed on lessons he learned from the senior players.
Peru face Bolivia this Friday, 13 November, at 20:00 local time at the Alejandro Villanueva stadium in La Victoria, Lima. It is Peru’s only match in this final FIFA window of the year. Once the game is over, Noriega will return to Brazil to continue with Gremio. Menezes goes into the match with one win, one draw and six defeats from eight games in charge of the national team.
Source: www.infobae.com
