"I'm sorry, but I can't coach Lazio." This was more or less the phrase with which Marcelo Bielsa effectively tore up a contract already signed with the Biancoceleste club. His nickname, "El loco" (meaning "the madman"), could not be more fitting for a story that is far-fetched. In fact, Bielsa had signed a one-year contract for about 2,8 million euros per season, but immediately afterwards he began to stall, embarrassing his new club. Through a press release, Lazio had made it known that Bielsa and his staff would arrive in Rome within a few days, but everyone understood that something was wrong. Requests that are always different from day to day (from bonuses to market choices), until the sensational break. Lazio, incredulous, took note of it through a press release: "We note with amazement the resignation of Mr. Marcelo Bielsa - reads the note -, in clear violation of the commitments undertaken with the contracts signed last week and duly filed with the Lega and the FIGC with the related fulfilments. The Company reserves the right to take any action to protect its rights". We'll see each other again in court, that's for sure, but the colossal fool remains.
Lazio, at this point, is officially entrusted to Simone Inzaghi, not exactly a new name. In fact, Inzaghi had been promoted by the Primavera after Pioli's sacking and he had done well. The Salernitana bench was ready for him (presentation already set for next week), but nothing will be done about it. The various Sampaoli, Prandelli and lastly Bielsa approached his bench, in the end he won to the general amazement.
Inter have started their training camp in Riscone, and captain Mauro Icardi is leading the group. However, he is the object of desire of several teams, first of all Simeone's Atletico Madrid. This was revealed by none other than the player's wife-agent, Wanda Nara, who declared to the South American TV program "Infama": "Atletico have presented an offer for Mauro, but Icardi's farewell is difficult given his status as a captain. They are also very fond of him and we renewed on our terms last year. Lots of offers arrive and I talk to the managers – he continued -, surely Mauro and Cholo will have talked because they have met a few times, the last time on a plane, but football has not been discussed”. Whoever wants it must put no less than 45 million on the plate.
That's why Atletico could also change target, turning to Bacca, less expensive. The AC Milan striker (currently still on vacation after the America's Cup) is de facto on the transfer market, and with an offer of 30 million to Casa Milan they could decide to let him leave. For the moment, a similar offer has only been made by West Ham, while the Colchoneros have stopped at 25 (Valencia at 20). The London club is currently in the lead, and if Milan have given a general ok to the operation now they will have to find an agreement with the player. According to the British media, an appointment in London between the West Ham management and Bacca's agent has already been scheduled for next week.
The Rossoneri, meanwhile, are focusing on the Pjaca deal, the first target on Galliani's list. The mid-week blitz in Zagreb paid off, and the deal should end up paying Dinamo €25m.
More or less the same amount that the Rossoneri should need to bring home Mateo Musacchio, the 25-year-old (he will be 26 on August 26) Argentine defender from Villarreal. Montella indicated him as the ideal reinforcement for his defence, a physically strong player with good technique to work alongside Romagnoli. The other hot name is that of José Ernesto Sosa, for all "El Principito", elected best player in the Turkish championship (just won with the Besiktas shirt). The Istanbul club is asking for 8 million, Milan is willing to reach four at most.
Juventus has the priority of finding a replacement for Morata and has currently identified the perfect replacement in Alexis Sanchez. The first offer delivered to Arsenal is 35 million, but the London club values its striker at no less than 50. The gap is still very wide, it's difficult to think that the deal can close in a short time (but if Lacazette went to the Gunners everything would be more easy). Marotta, however, also always keeps Cavani's situation under control, with the Uruguayan unhappy with his experience in Paris and ready to leave, especially if the French try to coup Higuain.
Juventus fans, however, are also following the Bonucci affair with great apprehension, after the sensational rise by Manchester City, which raised the offer for the Juventus defender to 60 million euros (the player a five-year contract at 8 million euros per season). Gaffes or clue? This is what everyone is asking after seeing an article on the official Twitter channel of the City which said that the negotiation between the Manchester club and Bonucci is in the pipeline, complete with a photo of the defender with the national team shirt . The Bianconeri top management continue to consider him non-transferable, but if his agent returns from England with an annual offer of that magnitude it would be more difficult to convince the player to stay in Turin.
As for the outgoing market, Pereyra is one step away from Napoli. Graziano Pellè's future, on the other hand, will most likely be in China. Next week, in fact, the striker of the national team should sign with Shandong Luneng. In China, at the age of 31, he would earn around 7 million a season, while 15 million will go to Southampton to let him leave.
