Fiorentina's French forward Jonathan Ikone is heading for Como

Rome (AFP) - France international forward Jonathan Ikone has been loaned by Fiorentina to rival Serie A side Como with an option to buy, his new club said Friday.

Ikone, 26, joined Fiorentina in January 2022 after coming through the Paris Saint-German youth programme followed by spells at Montpellier and Lille.

The four-time capped France international, who scored seven goals in his first two seasons in Tuscany, has been relegated to the substitutes bench this campaign.

He has come off the bench in all of his 14 appearances for the team without scoring in Serie A, although he has scored four goals in six matches in the Europa Conference League.

“His style of play, his versatility, his high-level experience will be valuable to us. He is capable of breaking the lines and creating scoring opportunities, he fits perfectly with our offensive strategy,” said Como coach Cesc Fabregas.

Como, who were promoted this season after 21 years out of Serie A, are currently 13th in the table but are just two points clear of the relegation zone.

The Lombardy club have been very active during this winter transfer window, with the arrival of midfielders Maxence Caqueret from Lyon and Assane Diao from Real Betis and giving a chance to former England international Dele Alli, without a club since July.