This summer is set to be the most exciting in Serie A for a number of seasons. Recently, Inter have dominated Italian football not just on the field but also in the transfer market. Stars like Samuel Eto’o, Wesley Sneijder and Lucio are just some that the Nerazzurri have brought to the peninsula. However, just as the balance of power shifted on the field this past season, so too is the balance of power levelling out in the transfer market.
Despite becoming champions, this summer Milan look set to strengthen their champion team even more. In fact, they have already started after it was confirmed that Philippe Mexes and Taye Taiwo will be Rossoneri players next season. A host of other players have been linked to the club too.
Juventus meanwhile are set to commence another major rebuilding process after the failure of previous attempts. The Old Lady has a new boss in Antonio Conte and have already signed Andrea Pirlo and Reto Ziegler. Like Milan, they have also been linked with a host of stars as they aim for Champions League football next season after missing out this term.
The American Revolution that is set to take place in Roma when Thomas Di Benedetto arrives in a few weeks also sees the Giallorossi as potential major players in the market. Indeed, Roma are perhaps the club that is set for the biggest transfer campaign as their new American owner aims to turn the club into a force once again in Italy and in Europe.
Here some of the stars that have been rumoured to be on their way to the Italian peninsula. There are some exciting names and the addition of any one or few of them will make for an even more exciting Serie A season.
Franck Ribery
The French international is one of the game’s undoubted stars. Alongside Arjen Robben, his impressive performances last season were one of the main reasons the Bavarians reached the Champions League final in Madrid.
Just as he is a major protagonist at club level, Ribery is also the talisman for France post Zidane. His arrival in Italy would spark major excitement not just in Turin but across the country. For Juventus, a club so desperate to get back to their former glories, he is the class of player that could help the Old Lady’s cause.
Despite Bayern’s disappointing season, Ribery was a key player throughout the season just past and at 28 years old the Frenchman is in the peak of his career. New Juventus coach Antonio Conte is known to favour a 4-4-2 system and Ribery would slot in nicely on either the right or left side of midfield, interchanging with Milos Krasic.
Chances of Ribery coming to Italy: Very low
Carlos Tevez
The Argentinean has seemingly never really settled in Manchester City. In fact, Tevez has even hinted at retiring from the game completely. Unsettled he may always seem to be, Tevez was equal
top goal scorer in the Premier League last season in addition to captaining the Citizens to their first trophy in 35 years.
Manager Roberto Mancini has revealed during the season that Tevez desires a move to Italy. At least, he did in January when he handed in a transfer request.
Juventus have been linked with the Argentine dynamo as well as Inter who have expressed their interest. At 27 years of age he has some of his best years ahead of him and he would be a great addition to either the Turin giants or the Nerazzurri.
Chances of Coming to Italy: Low
Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku is one of the hottest properties in Europe at the moment. Still only 17 years old, the young Belgian has attracted the interest of Premier League giants Chelsea who have been heavily linked to him as they sought a replacement for Didier Drogba.
However, with Thomas Di Benedetto willing to spend big in order to attract top quality talent to Rome, the Anderlecht star could see himself in the colours of the Giallorossi next season.
Top goal scorer in Belgian last season, Lukaku would be a major coup for the capital club and it would send a strong signal to the rest of the league and Europe for that matter that Roma mean business.
However, Lukaku would not come cheap after his club have demanded 30 million euros for his signature. This should not ward of the attention of Roma, however, competing with Chelsea for his services will prove a tough challenge.
Chances of Coming to Italy: Low
Sergio Aguero
Juventus have been linked with a host of stars in recent months and Sergio Aguero is just another one. The Argentine is one of the hottest stars in Europe and at the still young age of 22 years the best is still yet to come.
Ageuro would be an instant hit in Italy with his clinical finishing and speed. He is just adept to creating goals as well as scoring them. Just like the arrival of Ribery, Aguero’s arrival in Turin if it were to happen would be a major boost to the Old Lady’s bid to regain its status at the top of Italian football.
Juventus, however, face stiff competition from Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United.
Chances of Aguero Coming to Italy: Maybe
Rafael van der Vaart
It is no secret that Milan are searching for a left sided midfield player. They are willing to spend big too. Galliani has indicated that the club are looking for well-rounded player, one who can both score goals and help out defensively. Rafael van der Vaart fits this description.
Though they enjoyed an impressive inaugural season in the Champions League, Tottenham failed to qualify for next year’s edition and this could help aid Milan’s attempts to lure him to Italy.
The season past, van der Vaart was Tottenham’s top goal scorer as well as assist provider. With his exceptional attacking qualities he could also be deployed as the team’s trequartista meaning that he offers greater options to coach Max Allegri.
Chances of Coming to Italy: Good
You can read more from Frank Tigani on the pages of
SerieAWeekly.com and
World Football Daily
