If it were a Formula One Grand Prix, we could say that we are on the sighting lap. The one in which the tires are tested, and the drivers warm up their engines dreaming of a sprint start. The winter transfer market is exactly in this situation: the start is less than a month away, but the clubs are already on track. This is the case for everyone, in Italy and abroad, because the January session can upset the balance seen so far. Juventus, for example, continues to pursue the famous attacking top player, and this time he should finally be able to catch it. The latest rumors confirm what we already anticipated some time ago: the bianconeri are one step away from Didier Drogba. The Ivorian, currently registered for Shanghai Shenhua, would like to get back into the game of football that matters to him and Juve is ready to offer him the opportunity. Marotta has already made contact with him and his entourage, receiving an affirmative answer. Now all that remains is to find an agreement on the contract, both in terms of the duration (Juve want him until 2014, he is pushing for a three-year term) and for the salary (it is on the basis of 4 million net per season). Impressions? The deal can be closed, but watch out for contraindications. In fact, Drogba has already expressed his willingness to play the African Cup, scheduled from 19 January to 10 February, which creates a significant problem, above all by virtue of the knockout stages of the Champions League (the first leg could be played on February 12th). And given and considering that Conte would like it above all for Europe, the question must be discussed, even if it does not seem likely to derail the negotiation. The Ivorian for January, Llorente for June: here is the Corso Galileo Ferraris programme. The rest of the movements should concern the defense, which Lucio will probably lose. The Brazilian wants to go and play and Marotta could make a capital gain on the German market. If so, a defender will land in Turin, perhaps one between Bocchetti and Peluso, who have been in the black and white orbit for years.
The Milanese market is less predictable, grappling with various possible scenarios. Inter are always in the middle of a storm Sneijder: if it doesn't resolve itself, there will be no signings. But since the chances that the Dutchman will stay in Milan are slim, Branca and Ausilio are already looking for reinforcements. Stramaccioni has never made a secret of wanting a central midfielder and a striker. The first should be a player of quality (Inter lacks a classic playmaker) but also of quantity, which is essential to guarantee the balance of the trident. The attacker, on the other hand, would serve to give Milito some breathing space, always used by the coach until now, with no alternatives at all, if we exclude the young Livaja. The two identikits lead to Paulinho from Corinthians and Floccari from Lazio: the first is difficult to take (it costs a lot and PSG is also on him), the second is an affordable goal. But as mentioned, everything depends on Sneijder, who could also trigger a sensational round of negotiations around Europe.
Shepherd could end up in the cauldron, also observed eagerly by Galliani. If Inter's strategies are mysterious, Milan's are completely shrouded in secrecy. Yesterday the club and the coach reiterated the non-transferability of Robinho, for whom Santos presented an official offer of 6 million, considered laughable by via Turati. Under these conditions, the Brazilian will not move from Milan, but things could change if a more suitable offer arrives from Brazil. However, one thing is certain: arrivals will be directly subordinate to departures. From Traorè to Didac Vilà, from Acerbi to Mesbah, there are many players who are not part of Allegri's plans and who Galliani will try to place around the world. The cuts in wages will increase the via Turati treasury, which intends to strengthen the squad. The dream is Mario Balotelli, but unless sensational twists and turns will remain so. It is also difficult to get to Kevin Strootman, the PSV midfielder who is ideal for replacing De Jong. The Dutchman is very popular, but the competition is stiff and the price tag is high. On the other hand, a sale of Pato is almost impossible, for which, just under a year ago, PSG had offered almost 35 million. But the rules of the market are clear: trains never run twice. That's why mistakes are forbidden.
