Schalke 04 is apparently exploring a transfer bombshell behind the scenes. Robin Gosens is sidelined at AC Florence and appears to be in much higher demand in Gelsenkirchen.

AC Florence has excluded Gosens from their pre-season squad. The Italian top-flight club is planning without the 32-year-old. Schalke 04 is sensing their opportunity.

According to Sky, talks are already underway between the Bundesliga promoted side and the player's representatives. Gosens apparently can well imagine a move to his beloved club.

However, negotiations with Florence are expected to be complicated. The left-back still has a contract with the Tuscan club until 2028, which means a transfer fee would be required.

Previously, Bild had already reported on the royal blues' considerations. The 24-time international is highly sought after at the Berger Feld, the tabloid stated. The newspaper suggested a low transfer fee around the million-euro mark.

Gosens is a devoted Schalke fan

Gosens has played just 31 Bundesliga matches in his career so far, all for Union Berlin. The veteran spent most of his professional career in Italy. He had his best years at Atalanta Bergamo. With Inter Milan, Gosens won the Italian Cup twice. Since 2024, the 32-year-old has been playing for AC Florence.

Gosens has made no secret in the past that he would like to play for Schalke 04 in the future. He stated in September 2022 on Sport1 that his godfather first took him to the Parkstadion, that Schalke was always his club, and that almost everyone in the region supports Schalke. He added that if he ever ended up there, the circle would close.

Gosens revealed that as a child he was a huge fan of Marcelo Bordon and Christian Pander. He noted that Pander was an idol for him.