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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.
Manchester United to pay € 20 million + Romelu Lukaku for Paulo Dybala
The former Palermo star has remained one of Juventus's most valuable assets so far. He contributed an impressive 22 goals and 5 assists from 33 league appearances in the 2017-18 season. Unfortunately, Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival has turned Dybala's fate upside down.
The Argentine was unable to deliver his best in the last campaign, contributing just 5 goals and 4 assists. His playing time was also severed considerably as the 25-year-old made just 30 appearances. Ronaldo, on the other hand, scored 21 goals and assisted a further 8.
Dybala's agent also admitted that his client has been affected by Ronaldo's presence. The Argentinian playmaker has now been linked with top European clubs such as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint Germain.
According to a report from Sky Sport Italia, Juventus have offered Paulo Dybala to the English club in exchange for Romelu Lukaku. The report also states that the Argentine is currently valued at €100 million, whereas Lukaku is worth just around €85 million. Thus, the Red Devils are expected to pay €15-20 million in addition to the Belgian if they accept Juventus's proposal.
Unfortunately for United, a previous report reveals that Dybala has no intention of leaving the Italian champion. It even claims that the 25-year-old could return from his vacation early to gain a better understanding of Maurizio Sarri’s philosophy. Dybala has spent his time on holiday since he secured Copa America 3rd place with Argentina.
Inter offer €70 million plus bonuses for Romelu Lukaku
Inter Milan have not given up on their pursuit of the Manchester United striker despite very tough competition from Juventus. The Old Lady have recently entered the race and are ready to include Paulo Dybala in the deal. Antonio Conte has made clear that he wants the striker at the club, and Inter could sell Mauro Icardi and Radja Nainggolan to fund the transfer.
The Milan-based club have reportedly tabled a new offer of €70 million cash plus various bonuses for the 26-year-old, but United want €85 million.
Inter have seen their previous €60 million proposal rejected by United. Nevertheless, Inter director Giuseppe Marotta revealed that the club would keep a close eye on the situation.
“We are ready to pounce on opportunities, but prices are nowadays very high indeed. We made a strong offer, one that is valid and suited to the transfer value of the player, and we were unable to conclude a deal.
“We’ll continue to monitor the situation, and anything can happen on the market,” Marotta said.
Steven Zhang wants Inter to return to the very top in the next 10 years
Inter Milan have secured Champions League football two times in a row since Suning took over ownership of the club. Now, the club will aim to end Juventus's dominance in the Serie A following the appointment of Antonio Conte. The Serie A side has been very active in the transfer market so far.
They have signed well-known players such as Stefano Sensi, Valentino Lazaro and Diego Godin while negotiations for Romelu Lukaku are in progress. Inter President Steven Zhang also promised that the club would return to the top of the world in the next 10 years.
“Only by being in the Champions League will the value of our players, brand and even the club’s perception among fans improve significantly.
“Of course, the more difficult the climb will be, the more persevering we’ll have to be, going step by step: for the next three, five and 10 years, we must move towards the objective of returning to the top of the world,” Zhang said.
Krzysztof Piatek wants AC Milan to play with two strikers amid Patrick Cutrone's departure
AC Milan will need to look for a new striker following the departure of Patrick Cutrone. The Italian starlet is set to play for Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers next season. Wolves are said to have reached an agreement for the transfer, and Cutrone is expected to undergo a medical later this week.
However, fellow AC Milan striker Piatek hoped that Marco Giampaolo would play two strikers up front next season. Piatek scored 9 league goals for Milan last term. Then Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso used him mostly as the main striker in a 4-3-3 formation, leaving Cutrone on the bench.
“I think it will be great. I hope we’ll play with two strikers. We have time to train and for the coach to explain how we must play. We’ll play good football this season.
“I’m not thinking about objectives. What’s important is working hard in training and preseason, so I have a great season," Piatek said.
Napoli concede defeat to Arsenal over Nicolas Pepe transfer
The Ivorian sensation has been linked with numerous top clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool and Napoli since making an impressive spell at Lille. Pepe amassed 22 goals and 11 assists last season. He became Ligue 1's second-best goalscorer behind only Kylian Mbappe.
Lille President Gerard Lopez previously revealed that Liverpool have spoken to the player over a potential move to Anfield. On the other hand, Napoli President Aurelio de Laurentiis has confirmed that the Italian club could consider Pepe as an alternative to Real Madrid star James Rodriguez.
However, Arsenal are now set to become the winner of the race. Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti has also admitted his side's defeat to Arsenal over Pepe transfer.
“I don’t like talking about players from other teams, but I can tell you that I’m not disappointed,” said the former Real Madrid boss.
“There’s still a long way to go in the window. We have other very good players still on holidays, such as Allan, Koulibaly and Fabian Ruiz.
“We’re certainly looking for players, and if there are opportunities, we’ll seize them.”
