Finally here we are. After the fireworks on New Year's Eve, now it's the turn of those of the transfer market, which has officially entered its winter phase. The wait was long, but to tell the truth, the executives have already been at work for quite some time. This is the case for Adriano Galliani, who has now been in Brazil for several days, but the same goes for Juventus and Inter, who yesterday scored the first strikes in January.
But it is undoubtedly Milan that is in the spotlight. Pato's transfer to Corinthias is practically complete: 15 million euros will soon end up in the Via Turati coffers, and this time Berlusconi will not oppose it. The Brazilian will thus return to his homeland, where he will look for a technical relaunch that could facilitate his presence at the 2014 World Cup. Robinho would like to do the same, but here things are a little more complicated: in fact, Santos has not yet presented a proposal deemed appropriate. And since the negotiation is struggling to unblock itself, Mino Raiola, the specialist in impossible operations, has landed in Brazil.
The most discussed attorney in the world will try to bring Robinho back home, and who knows if Balotelli's name will come up with Galliani. Despite the superficial denials, Super Mario is a Rossoneri target, and his difficult moment at Manchester City could be in Galliani's case. The operation is certainly complex, but not impossible. A bit like Didier Drogba, who has always been a dot on Via Turati. The Ivorian would free himself on a free transfer, but he demands a monstrous salary of 10 million euros. Too much for Milan, even in light of the 35th birthday he will turn in March. The Rossoneri hope to lower the demands by leveraging the technical aspect, which could stimulate the former Chelsea striker.
Problems that don't affect the other half of Milan, at least as regards the attack. In fact, Inter has concluded the hunt for Milito's deputy: it will be Tommaso Rocchi, who will already be available for the away match in Udine. The deal had already been in the pipeline for a few days, but the conclusion came yesterday evening, when a phone call between Moratti and Lotito definitively unblocked the operation. Rocchi will arrive in Milan this morning for medical visits, after which, if there are no hitches, he will sign the contract that will bind him to Inter until June. The deputy Milito will receive 800 euros, while Lazio will receive 300. The Nerazzurri have thus set up the attack with minimal spending, and will be able to concentrate their investments in other departments. The new idea (but difficult to implement at the moment) comes from England, in particular from London, where Frank Lampard's agent is looking for accommodation for his client.
The Chelsea midfielder's contract expires in June and has already let Abramovich know that he won't renew it. Hence the idea of Inter (but also of Lazio), which however seems destined to remain so: Lampard earns a lot (about 7 million, therefore between now and June he will be entitled to 3,5), moreover he is going to turn 35. It is unlikely that Moratti will decide to pass out for him, also because the Sneijder problem must first be resolved. The Dutchman is the fulcrum of the Inter market: if he leaves, the much desired midfielder by Stramaccioni (Paulinho?) could arrive at the Nerazzurri, as well as a quality winger (Schelotto). At the moment, however, the Wesley case is still far from being resolved, and it is no coincidence that the Dutchman was not even in Appiano Gentile yesterday, where his teammates have resumed training. Important developments could come today, when Sneijder meets Branca and Ausilio, as well as his manager Soren Lerby.
The situation of Federico Peluso is decidedly more serene, who can already be considered a new Juventus player. While awaiting the official announcement (which will arrive today), the defender has already carried out his medical tests, first at the Fornaca Clinic in Sessant, then at the Sport Medicine Institute in Turin. On the other hand, the agreement with Atalanta had been reached some time ago: a onerous loan (1 million) and a mandatory redemption in June (4,5 million), along the lines of what happened with Padoin a year ago. In short, an organized defense (Peluso can play without distinction in the three-man line and on the left wing), but the black and white market certainly didn't end there. Marotta is still hunting for an attacker, even if the feeling is that the big shot will be postponed until June. In fact, there is already an agreement with Llorente and Juve will have the top player on a free transfer. For this season, therefore, the Juventus CEO will be satisfied with a good reserve (one between Gabbiadini, owned by Juventus but on loan to Bologna and Borriello, always appreciated by Conte), even if the hopes of reaching Drogba have not yet faded.
