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Hello and welcome to the Serie A news and rumours of the day! As usual, there are some of the hottest rumours that have been waiting to be seen. Without further ado, let's take a look at the top stories of the day surrounding the Italian league.
Ospina 'wants' permanent stay at Napoli
Father of Arsenal player David Ospina has spoken about the goalkeeper's future plans as well as the player's injury. Hernan Ospina stated that his son would like to stay on a permanent basis even if Napoli decide to put the 30-year-old on the bench.
Arsenal loaned the Colombian star to the Italian giants last year after the player became a frequent second fiddle at the club for 3 seasons. Napoli have an option to exercise the deal and make Ospina's move permanent.
“Looking at the incident on TV, we were really worried,” Hernan said.
“Thank God, however, that everything went the way it had to and now David is fine: he’s already back training like he was before and we hope he can return against Arsenal, a team with great physicality but who leak goals.
“David’s very happy to be at Napoli. He’s happy with everything at the club. He’d like to stay another season, even if isn’t the starting goalkeeper. He’d still be part of a great team.”
Ospina's situation has been better at Napoli as he has appeared in 13 Serie A games for the club this season. Despite a rather unfortunate club situation, the 30-year-old has featured prominently for his national team.
He started in all 4 of Colombia matches at the 2018 World Cup, including a penalty shootout against England at the knockout stage. He also played 18 times for Colombia in the World Cup qualification stage.
Inter Milan believes Rakitic is close in signing for the club
The Italian giants are in a pole position to land Rakitic and 2 other stars next summer, according to reports in Italy. The Barcelona midfielder has been Inter's long-term target as Luka Modric's deal failed to materialize. However, Ernesto Valverde remains keen to keep the veteran maestro despite strong interest from the Serie A outfit.
Rakitic's future at the Camp Nou has seemed bleak after the Catalans decided to purchase numerous midfielders in recent seasons. The 31-year-old has seen many competitors such as Arturo Vidal and Arthur Melo, while Frenkie de Jong will also arrive at the club next season.
Inter believe that they are close to secure the former Sevilla player's service as the star is yet to sign a contract extension with the La Liga outfit. The other 2 stars who are said to be close to joining the Italian side are Matteo Darmian and Edin Dzeko.
Real Madrid ready to include Toni Kroos in Pjanic deal
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane reportedly want Miralem Pjanic in his team next season. The Bosnian midfielder has been a long term target for Los Blancos as Juventus no longer consider the playmaker indispensable at the club.
The Old Lady, however, are planning to offer the 28-year-old a 'tactical' contract to keep the player's valuation high. It is understandable that Juve would want a colossal amount of money for the former AS Roma star. The report states that Real Madrid are ready to offer €86 million cash to Juventus for Pjanic.
The Spanish outfit also keen to enter a player-plus-cash scheme by including Toni Kroos in the deal. The German midfielder has been criticised recently due to his poor performances. Nevertheless, Juventus would not need to search for the Bosnian's replacement if they are willing to accept Kroos.
