And now it's getting serious. The winter transfer market session has just begun but we are already on the front page headlines. It doesn't matter that the most important news comes from abroad, because when it comes to Real Madrid, there's no parochialism that counts. The exemption of Rafa Benitez was in the air, but Florentino Perez, once again, managed to surprise everyone. Not so much for the substitute, that one Zinedine Zidane long-standing candidate for the white bench, as for the timing: the decision, in fact, would have been more understandable during the break (which in La Liga, to tell the truth, only lasted over the Christmas weekend), not with the season back in full swing .
“I will do everything possible to win – Zizou's words during the joint press conference with Florentino. – I am very excited, for me it is a very important chance and I will put all of myself into trying to conquer something”. Instead, no comment on Benitez, apart from a small (very small) parenthesis from Perez: a signal that Rafa, disliked by most of the players (above all Cristiano Ronaldo) had really had his time.
The jolt from Madrid, as well as further fueling the coaching market, could also have important implications on the Italian front. In fact, it is unlikely that Juve can snatch Isco: the Spaniard, completely on the sidelines in Benitez's management, is a pupil of Perez and it is plausible that Zidane, chosen by the number one blanco, wants to bet on him. The bianconeri therefore risk seeing the attacking midfielder so desired by Allegri vanish for the umpteenth time, as if there were a strange curse.
Complicated to even get to Gundogan, the other hot name on Marotta's notebook. "They won't sell him in January", commented John Elkann during Ferrari's stock exchange, testifying to how much the midfielder likes but is difficult to take. Borussia Dortmund wants at least 30 million, Juve, also by virtue of the player's contract (expiring in 2017), does not intend to go beyond 20. The alternatives are called Moutinho e banega, the latter also followed with interest by Milan.
The Rossoneri want to give Mihajlovic a playmaker and the Argentine, whose contract expires in June, would be the ideal mix of quality and price. But first Galliani has to sell and this is easier said than done. Waiting for that Cerce decide whether or not to accept Genoa's offer (loan until June, Atletico Madrid have already given the go-ahead) we need to unravel the case El Shaarawy, about to return to base after Monaco decided not to redeem him. The Pharaoh could also remain in the Principality until June but this would cost him the European Championship: in fact, the club would put him out of the squad.
A big problem for Galliani, convinced of bringing home 14 million and instead forced, at best, to settle for much less. Roma, Fiorentina and Genoa want him on loan, the Rossoneri CEO is aiming at least to set a redemption obligation. In the meantime, the official announcement has arrived Boateng: the Ghanaian, who has already been at Milanello for several months, is the first winter reinforcement for Mihajlovic. Many movements also in the Inter house, both incoming and outgoing. Negotiations continue for Calleri, Boca striker who has long been in Mancini's sights.
“The operation is very advanced and could close this week – said Angelici, president of the Argentine club. – Inter want him for July, now he will go on loan to Bologna for 6 months or he will stay with us”. The axis between the nerazzurri and rossoblu is the first step towards various operations, all with a view on Emilia. Donadoni could in fact arrive at Santon e Ranocchia: both however, in addition to the Calleri deal, are linked to a substantial contribution on salaries, which Inter should pay 50%.
Ready to go too Dodo, about to move to Sampdoria with the dry loan formula. On the other hand, in addition to the aforementioned Calleri, the name of Lavezzi, again in Mancini's sights after the failed attempt in the summer. "PSG won't let him leave in January" writes l'Equipe, but the Nerazzurri are waiting to meet agent Mazzoni: in fact, Pocho's contract will expire in June and this could force the hand of the French champions.
