Even with the financial difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the wheeling and dealing continues in Italy as everyone is gearing up for the 2021/22 season.
But Serie A clubs, for the most part during this summer transfer window, have become sellers because they continue to feel the crunch from the pandemic.
Inter Milan are the best example of this when they sold Achraf Hakimi and Ashley Young to PSG and Aston Villa respectively, although they’ve made some additions to try and compensate for their losses.
Juventus, who are the favourites to reclaim the Scudetto according to the Serie A 2021 odds, have been relatively quiet this time around. They haven’t sold any big names yet but they’ve already loaned out players since they’re also strapped for cash.
Those are some of the developments that have happened in recent weeks. And as the new season draws near, allow SBOTOP to examine the latest transfer rumours and updates here in our recap.
English clubs are going after Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez
The biggest question during this offseason is whether a mass exodus is coming for the Nerazzurri following a successful season.
Last term, Inter Milan finally broke Juventus’ hold of the Scudetto to end their title drought and their fans would certainly want to run it back to go for a repeat.
However, their recent transactions make such a scenario unlikely from the moment that they’ve let go of head coach Antonio Conte, wing-backs Ashley Young and Achraf Hakimi.
Although they’ve added Hakan Calhanoglu via free transfer to cover for Christian Eriksen, who’s recovering from the cardiac scare he experienced during Euro 2020, that won’t be enough for the defending champions.
Recent reports suggest that Inter Milan aren’t done making deals, albeit it is more about offloading players. So no one is safe from being moved as the club continues to get their finances in order.
Chelsea and Arsenal have been aggressive in their pursuit of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez respectively, with the former gaining more ground in negotiation talks.
The Blues are willing to offer €115-M to bring back Romelu Lukaku at Stamford Bridge and the Nerazzurri have reportedly agreed in principle.
The Gunners, meanwhile, have identified Lautaro Martinez in their shortlist and they’ve offered a package deal to the Nerazzurri.
Apparently, Arsenal wanted to give away Hector Bellerin and Alexandre Lacazzette for the Argentine striker but Inter will only accept a £65-M straight-cash proposal.
Napoli’s main stars being courted
Napoli plan to make it to the Champions League next season after missing out last term so staying competitive will be their main priority.
The Partenopei aren’t new to being linked to numerous transfer talks, which is why fending off suitors has become a routine for them.
Lorenzo Insigne, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Fabian Ruiz are some of the names that are being thrown around in the Serie A 2021 news since they’ve garnered significant interest from various clubs.
Lorenzo Insigne is now in the final year of his contract. And since he has yet to sign an extension, teams such as Liverpool and Tottenham have already inquired for a possible transfer.
Kalidou Koulibaly was once linked to a potential big-money move to Goodison Park and that hasn’t changed at all. However, Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti reiterated that the Senegalese centre-back won’t leave the club anytime soon.
On the other hand, Fabian Ruiz was once desired by Barcelona to address their midfield depth according to Spanish media outlets, but their transfer plans have changed drastically because of Lionel Messi’s shock departure.
AS Roma to strengthen certain key areas
Jose Mourinho is back in Serie A as Roma’s new manager and he’s already made some moves ahead of the new season.
The Giallorossi added an experienced goalkeeper in Rui Patricio from Wolves and they are currently in talks with Arsenal for Granit Xhaka.
Unfortunately, their negotiations regarding the midfielder have hit a snag and they may need to look elsewhere sooner or later.
Roma can instead turn their attention to Xhaka’s Swiss teammate Denis Zakaria, who should fit in perfectly for Mourinho’s tactics.
Moreover, Roma are also searching for a left-back with Leonardo Spinazzola sidelined with a ruptured Achilles and they’ve gone out to get Matias Vina, who will be joining soon from Palmeiras.
Another glaring hole that Roma need to fill is their centre-forward spot especially with Edin Dzeko now past his physical prime.
Knowing Mourinho’s affinity for tall and big-bodied forwards, perhaps the club might consider the likes of Tammy Abraham, Wout Weghorst, or Marcus Thuram.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
