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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.
#5 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to join Manchester United on one condition
Manchester United have been linked with the Lazio star for over a year. The 24-year-old amassed 12 goals in the 2017/18 Serie A season, and this had led to interest from the Red Devils. However, United seemed to cool their interest after Milinkovic's productivity dipped in the subsequent season.
Nevertheless, the English side have rekindled their desire to bring in the Serbian midfielder since Paul Pogba revealed his desire to leave. Pogba's agent Mino Raiola has also confirmed that the Frenchman is in the process of leaving the Old Trafford. Juventus and Real Madrid remain possible destinations for the 26-year-old.
According to a report, United are now close to strike a deal with Milinkovic. However, the report further revealed that the deal would happen only if United manage to sell Pogba. Lazio President Claudio Lotito remains open to Milinkovic's sale but insists that any suitors must table the right offer to be considered.
“We understand it’s important for a player to step up to one of the biggest clubs in the world. However, a player only has a price-tag when he is for sale and the transfer market is dictated by action, not words.
“When a concrete proposal arrives, we’ll examine it and see what the conditions are, whether they satisfy the club and the decisions we’ll then make,”
Lotito said.
Lazio have reportedly demanded more than €75 million for the former KRC Genk star. Milinkovic scored 5 goals and further recorded 3 assists last season. He was crowned Serie A best midfielder, despite his low productivity compared to the previous season.
#4 Real Madrid ready to table a club-record bid for Juventus target Paul Pogba
Real Madrid have splashed more than €300 million on transfers so far. However, it seems that the Los Blancos are looking to sign one more prominent player before starting the new season. The La Liga outfit will need to work on several departures such as James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale before making any more signings.
AS claims that the Los Blancos could scoop more than €100 million from the sales of James and Bale alone, and they will use the fund to snatch Paul Pogba. The report further states that Madrid are willing to splash a club-record fee of €150 million for the Manchester United star. However, the Spanish side would receive competition from Juventus.
Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri has confirmed that he really likes the 26-year-old, and he has expected the Old Lady to make more signings. The Italian side have been very active in the transfer market so far.
#3 Takehiro Tomiyasu wants to become Bologna leader
The Japanese International has recently completed his transfer from Belgian club Sint-Truiden for around €7 million. Takehiro played for Avispa Fukuoka in J2 league just 2 years ago. However, he quickly adapted to European football, amassing more than 27 games in his first season at Truiden.
Now, he is set to open a new chapter in the Italian league. The 20-year-old revealed that he has learned from former Inter Milan star and Japan international Yuto Nagatomo. He also believed that he could become a leader at his new club.
“Yuto Nagatomo told me that there’s a lot of pressure playing in Italy, but that excites me, as it means the fans are passionate,”
he said.
“There are organized defenses in Serie A and great strikers. I can play as a full-back or in the center, but my objective either way is to become a leader at the back.”
#2 Federico Chiesa coy on his future
The Fiorentina starlet has been heavily linked with Juventus recently. The Italian star is one of Fiorentina's most sought-after players alongside Nikola Milenkovic. Chiesa managed to impress last season, contributing 6 goals and 3 assists. He also became Italy's standout player in the Euro U-21 tournament.
However, Fiorentina barely avoided relegation in the last season, claiming just 41 points from 38 games. Many doubt that the club can keep their prized assets, but new President Rocco Comisso is known to want to keep Chiesa at all cost. Chiesa, on the other hand, remains undecided over future.
“I thank the President for this experience; I am happy to be here. I just think about training, and then I’ll talk to the club. We’ll sit down as a family and discuss all the issues. It's not a problem.
"Any decisions for the future are postponed. I am focused on just getting back to 100 percent fitness now,"
Chiesa said.
#1 Inter promise 2 strikers for Antonio Conte
It is no secret that the former Chelsea boss is unhappy with Inter's transfer activity. The Italian boss has made it clear that he does not want Mauro Icardi and Radja Nainggolan in his plan. Conte also hinted that Ivan Perisic could join the 2 previously mentioned names, saying that the World Cup finalist cannot play in the role that he wants.
However, Inter director Giuseppe Marotta insisted that the club remain in sync with the manager. Marotta further revealed that the club are looking for 2 strikers at the moment. Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku remains the favorite to join the Nerazzurri, and the other player could be AS Roma's Edin Dzeko.
“The whole club is in sync, even in symbiosis, with the Coach, with his focus on details, the fact he is very demanding and has a strong working culture at the base of everything.
“We are seeking two strikers, one more experienced and another younger because as of today we only have Lautaro Martinez. Last season we also had Keita Balde Diao and Mauro Icardi, now we have only one forward,"
Marotta said.
