'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Hello and welcome to the Serie A news and rumours of the day! As usual, there are many exciting stories from the rumour mill to read. So, let's take a look at the top stories of the day surrounding the Italian top flight.
Aurelio de Laurentiis discusses Napoli's transfer activity
Napoli look set to challenge for the Serie A title once again after signing star defender Kostas Manolas. The Greek defender is expected to form one of the most formidable defences in the league alongside Kalidou Koulibaly. However, the Partenopei still have plenty of quality transfer targets such as James Rodriguez to sign.
On the other hand, Napoli boss Aurelio De Laurentiis insisted that the club's current priority is to sell several players. He suggested that Napoli already have enough quality players and their squad is a bit overcrowded at the moment.
“I often hear people say that Napoli need a top player, as if the ones we already have don’t fit the bill: your Kalidou Koulibaly, your Insigne, your Allan, for whom we turned down an offer of €70m, but also your Jose Callejon, Dries Mertens, Piotr Zielinski and Fabian Ruiz, who was a sensational purchase that few pay attention to.
“The most pressing need right now, I’d say the priority, is to sell. We have many players in the squad and it’s right to reduce the group, but we are also active and attentive on the market,” he said.
Laurentiis also spoke about James, who is one of Napoli's top transfer targets. James's future has been up in the air since Bayern Munich refused to trigger the player's buy-out option. Napoli want to offer an escape route to the 27-year-old, but Laurentiis suggested that Real Madrid demand too much for the player.
“He is the player who, after Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi, is the most media-friendly. Carlo Ancelotti likes him and we are waiting for a more reasonable request.
“The stumbling block is represented by Real Madrid, who have, in our view, exaggerated expectations. But James wants to join Napoli.”
Pau Lopez completes AS Roma switch
AS Roma have received plenty of criticisms over their decision to sell several star players such as Danielle de Rossi and Kostas Manolas. However, Roma fans seem to have a breath of fresh air after the club officially completed the signing of Real Betis goalkeeper Pau Lopez.
The 24-year-old is one of Roma's major signings, and his transfer has cost the club around €28 million (including bonuses). Lopez had been a Real Betis regular before moving to Roma. He made more than 100 league appearances in La Liga despite his relatively young age.
“It’s basically impossible to say no to a club like Roma,” Lopez told AS Roma official website.
“This is a big step forward for me in my career. I am delighted by the confidence this great club has shown in me: I feel ready to take on this exciting new challenge.”
Vincenzo Montella hints Federico Chiesa stay
Fiorentina barely avoided relegation after claiming just 41 points from 38 games. Many expect that the club will sell star players, particularly Federico Chiesa. The 21-year-old has been linked with numerous top clubs such as Manchester United and Juventus.
He was arguably Italy's best player in Euro U-21, scoring 3 goals in 3 appearances. However, Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella hinted that Chiesa would remain at the club. New Fiorentina owner Rocco Comisso has promised that the club will not sell Chiesa, and Montella is delighted with Comisso's intention.
“President Commisso has been clear on his future, both in private and in public, and I’m very pleased about that,” the former AC Milan boss said.
“Federico’s a good player who can still grow and will do so with us.”
Montella will also remain as Fiorentina's head coach despite last season's disappointing results.
Barcelona told to pay €60 million for Joao Cancelo
The Portuguese defender has faced an uncertain future after joining Juventus just a year ago. He played 22 times as a starter last season, scoring a goal and providing 3 assists. Many regard him as one Europe's best right-backs, but Massimiliano Allegri benched him for several important games.
Nevertheless, he has gathered interest from top clubs such as Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Manchester City have been closely linked with him, and the Premier League champions have reportedly tabled an offer for the Juventus star. Unfortunately for City, the proposal failed to convince Juventus.
The report further states that Barcelona are now in pole position to land the 25-year-old. However, Juventus insist that Barcelona and the other suitors must pay at least €60 million for the star defender. The Old Lady have recently included Cancelo in their preseason training squad.
Manchester United to pay €130 million for 2 Serie A players
The Red Devils are expected to splash more cash on the transfer market after signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka. According to a recent report from Italy, the Premier League side are interested in Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The 24-year-old was named as Serie A's best midfielder last season, despite his recent dip in productivity.
The report states that Manchester United are yet to make a formal offer for the Serbian, but the club are ready to pay €80 million. Milinkovic-Savic is likely to replace Paul Pogba, who has revealed the intention to move away from Old Trafford.
United also want Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic. The 21-year-old was one of Fiorentina's top performers last season, making 34 appearances as a starter and scoring 3 goals. The Premier League side offered €40 million for the centre back in January, but Fiorentina rejected the proposal.
Nevertheless, United have recently made a new attempt to sign the defender and might be looking to match Fiorentina's €50 million asking price.
