World Cup Semifinals Set as Transfer Market Heats Up Across Serie A

The World Cup is heating up. Only four teams remain in the race for the World Champion’s crown: the first semifinal takes place tonight and pits France against Spain, while tomorrow night Argentina and England will face off for the second ticket to the final.

At the same time, the transfer market never stops, with negotiations heating up and fresh twists emerging. Let’s take a look together at the biggest stories of this Tuesday, with Serie A’s top clubs taking center stage.

Juventus, Openda and David heading toward Ligue 1

Juventus are working to trim their attack and find a new home for both Loïs Openda and Jonathan David, both coming off a very disappointing season in black and white. According to SportMediaset, Lens have renewed their strong interest in the Belgian, but the deal remains complicated because of his salary of around €4 million: the French club would need Juventus to cover part of his wages to make the move sustainable.

David’s situation is also still open. As reported by Tuttosport, the Canadian turned down an offer from Trabzonspor, but his name was reportedly put forward by an intermediary to Paris FC. The French club are looking for an international signing and could become an interesting option for Juventus, who are determined to find a solution after Spalletti’s technical rejection.

Milan, advanced talks for Estupiñán sale

Pervis Estupiñán’s adventure at Milan already seems to be nearing its end. After just one season in red and black, the Ecuadorian full-back has fallen to the fringes of the project and is edging closer to a transfer.

According to Daniele Longo, Aston Villa are at an advanced stage in talks with Milan, also after Lucas Digne’s move to PSG. The green light could arrive soon: Estupiñán looks set for a return to the Premier League, while Milan prepare another move at left-back.

Inter, Kovacic emerges: possible return?

The Curtis Jones track is becoming increasingly difficult for Inter. Liverpool’s asking price remains very high and, at the same time, the Nerazzurri are evaluating alternatives for midfield, an area that could take on a new look in the coming weeks.

According to Matteo Moretto, among the names proposed to Marotta and Ausilio is also Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian, who is on his way out of Manchester City, would represent an experienced option with knowledge of Italian football. It would be a return for him: he already wore the Inter shirt from 2013 to 2015 before moving to Real Madrid.

Romelu Lukaku’s future remains up in the air. After two seasons at Napoli, the Belgian is reportedly no longer considered indispensable to the Azzurri project, and the club are evaluating a possible sale.

In recent hours his agent Federico Pastorello denied interest from Beşiktaş, but according to Matteo Moretto two other Turkish options remain alive: Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe. Both would be concrete possibilities, although Lukaku has not yet completely ruled out staying in Campania for another season.

Roma, Liverpool and United pushing for Koné

Manu Koné’s future is once again at the center of Roma’s transfer market. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the French midfielder’s agent flew to England to better understand the intentions of Liverpool and Manchester United, both strongly interested in the 2001-born player.

Roma’s position, however, remains clear: Koné is considered a cornerstone of Gasperini’s midfield and the club do not want to part with him. At the end of the World Cup, the Giallorossi will meet with the player’s entourage to reiterate his central role in the project and try to tie him down despite the pressure from the Premier League.

Lazio, Romagnoli held up in Rome: what’s happening

Alessio Romagnoli is still stuck in Rome awaiting the final green light for his move to Al Sadd. According to the Corriere dello Sport, Lazio have already accepted the Qatari club’s €3 million offer, with documents having been exchanged between the parties.

What has delayed the official announcement were initially some details related to his wages and then the suspension of activities in Qatar following the death of former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Romagnoli, who had already said goodbye to the fans with a video message during the July 2 event, is now training alone away from Formello while waiting for the final closure.

Fiorentina, Norton-Cuffy a hot name if Dodo leaves

Fiorentina are looking at the future of the right flank and are monitoring Brooke Norton-Cuffy, the English wide player born in 2004 who plays for Genoa. His name would become especially hot if Dodô were to leave, still considered important but not untouchable in the face of major offers.

According to TMW, Everton are also interested in the player after already showing interest in January, in addition to Napoli and Inter in Serie A. Genoa value Norton-Cuffy at around €20 million, a high figure but one consistent with his age, performances, and room for growth. For Paratici, it would be an investment for the future, perfectly in line with Fiorentina’s desire to focus on young, resaleable profiles.