World Cup Countdown: Transfer Market Buzz Heats Up in Italy
There’s now very little time left until the grand final between Spain and Argentina, which will decide the next World Cup champion. Tomorrow evening, meanwhile, there’s another huge clash for third place between Mbappé’s France and Bellingham’s England.
As we wait for the final two matches of this World Cup, we stay in Italy to take stock of the topic setting the summer alight: the transfer market. Here are the most important stories of the day.
Juve, Brandt is a target but watch out for the Premier League
Julian Brandt continues to be one of the most interesting names among the free agents following his departure from Borussia Dortmund. In recent weeks, the German playmaker has also been linked with Juventus, who, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, have made initial enquiries to understand the feasibility of the deal and look into the financial demands of the player and his entourage.
Advertisement
The situation, however, could become more complicated for the Bianconeri. Several Premier League clubs have in fact stepped up contacts with Brandt, putting forward offers considered highly competitive. Interest that, at least for now, pushes Juventus into the background and leaves open the possibility of the 1996-born player moving to England.
Milan, the Premier League swoops for Tomori
Milan continue to work on departures to trim Ruben Amorim’s squad. After Estupinan, who is getting ever closer to Aston Villa, Fikayo Tomori could also leave the Rossoneri and return to the Premier League.
According to Daniele Longo of calciomercato.com, the English defender is being tracked by several clubs in the English top flight. In particular, newly promoted Coventry, managed by Frank Lampard, are said to be pushing hard to secure the former Chelsea man.
Inter, Romero open to the Nerazzurri
Inter continue to assess possible reinforcements for their back line, and among the profiles being followed is Cristian Romero, the Tottenham and Argentina defender. According to Sportitalia, the centre-back has told Spurs of his desire to embark on a new experience next season.
Advertisement
Barcelona remain one of the defender’s preferred destinations, although the Blaugrana club are leaning towards a left-footed centre-back. Inter are closely monitoring the situation and the Nerazzurri’s technical project, together with the role of defensive leader that would be entrusted to him, would appeal to the former Genoa and Atalanta player. What is holding back the deal, however, is the financial side: Tottenham are starting from a valuation of around €50 million.
Napoli, Torino try to overtake in the race for Fortini
Niccolò Fortini is one of the most closely followed young talents on the market. The 2006-born winger, owned by Fiorentina, has attracted the interest of several Serie A clubs, with Napoli and Torino showing strong interest in recent weeks.
Advertisement
According to Alfredo Pedullà, the Granata club are trying to get ahead of the competition from the Azzurri. Napoli, in fact, first need to trim a squad that is currently very large before completing any new signings, a situation that could favour Torino’s attempt to overtake them in the race for the former Juve Stabia player.
Roma, Rensch in pole position to replace Celik
Zeki Celik’s departure changes Roma’s balance and opens up new scenarios on the right flank. With the Turkish defender having moved to Juventus, the first player who could benefit from his exit is Devyne Rensch, who will have the opportunity to carve out more space for himself and take on a more important role in the Giallorossi squad.
Advertisement
According to the blog formaroma.info, the Dutchman is considered a versatile option, as he can be used both as a wide centre-back in a back three and as a right wing-back, qualities that make him a profile similar to Celik. Despite this, the club continue to assess possible reinforcements. Among the names being followed are Nahuel Molina, for whom Atletico Madrid are asking around €30 million, and Dodô, valued at around €15 million by Fiorentina and also tracked by Napoli.
Lazio continue to be active in the market and, after the arrival of Doekhi on a free transfer as a defensive reinforcement, the Biancocelesti have officially announced the signing of Bruno Galassi, a 2007-born centre-back from Real Madrid. The youngster arrives on a permanent deal after coming through the Spanish club’s youth system.
In the statement released by the Biancocelesti, it is specified that Real Madrid have retained a percentage of any future resale of the player, who represents an investment for Lazio’s future.
Fiorentina, slowdown over Leipzig’s Bakayoko
The name Johan Bakayoko continues to be linked with Fiorentina, but signals coming from Germany are cooling the prospect of a move to La Viola. According to Sky Sport Germany, there are currently no negotiations underway between Fiorentina and Leipzig, nor is there any agreement with the attacking winger.
Advertisement
The German broadcaster also reports that Bakayoko recently held talks with the Leipzig management, a club that is planning for next season with him in mind. While he is not considered untouchable, the player is valued at around €20 million, and any decision about his future will depend mainly on his own wishes.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.