Milan tries, Lazio resists. The object of the dispute is Luis Alberto, whose permanence in the biancoceleste, in the light of recent events, is at least in doubt. The beginning of the affair is now dated about ten days ago, when the Spaniard didn't show up in Formello for the team meeting, first arguing union rights, then medical issues. Soon, however, it was understood that the truth was another, that is the will to leave Lazio or to have a substantial salary increase, in defiance of the five-year contract signed in September 2020. This made Lotito enraged not a little, far from willing to meet him, at least as regards salary: on the transfer instead the Lazio president, old sea dog of the market, he knows well that he cannot build a wall, provided however that he emerges victorious.
But why did Luis Alberto, who has now joined his companions in Auronzo di Cadore (the chronicles describe him as serene), decided to force his hand so clearly? Behind is Milan, who have decided to replace Calhanoglu with a very thick number 10, perfect for Pioli's game and to excite the Rossoneri people. However, Lotito, strengthened by the contract until 2025, wants 50 million, a prohibitive amount for the Rossoneri, at least in cash. On the other hand, an understanding can be found with the counterparts, also because Sarri needs offensive wingers and the Rossoneri, coincidentally, have one outgoing like Leao: Maldini's proposal for an equal exchange was rejected, but if an economic adjustment of 15 million were also included in the deal ( or Saelemaekers, much appreciated by the Biancoceleste coach), here is where the white smoke could become reality. In the meantime, the Rossoneri have welcomed Giroud (he has signed a two-year contract, he will return to Milan on the 26th to join his teammates), formalized the new (two-year) loan of Brahim Diaz and concluded the purchase of the Senegalese full-back Ballo-Touré, arriving from Monaco for 4 million plus 500 thousand bonuses.
The boxes of the number 10 remain to be filled (in parallel with Luis Alberto the negotiation for Vlasic of CSKA Moscow remains alive), of a deputy Kessié (Bakayoko is on pole) and of a third striker, this time young: the prospectus corresponds to Kaio Jorge, the 19-year-old from Santos, who will however be kept on standby for a while longer, not so much for the cost (10 million), but for his non-EU status, which would close other possible deals for Milan (one of the two slots, in fact, has already been occupied by Tomori). In short, very active Rossoneri, also because the disappointment of having lost Donnarumma and Calhanoglu is strong, especially for the European champion goalkeeper, who has been officially a PSG player for a few days. The others move with less haste, starting with the Scudetto-winning Inter. Marotta is first of all looking for a replacement for Hakimi, with Bellerin in pole position. The agreement with the player has already been found (four-year for 3,5 million), however the biggest obstacle remains, i.e. Arsenal, who have decided to let him leave only on a permanent basis and not on loan with the right to buy out as requested by the 'to the nerazzurri. The alternative is the Dutchman Dumfries from Psv, while Lazzari, Inzaghi's first choice, seems very complicated.
Inter then look for a striker (Keita Balde, through his agent Pastorello, is a candidate) and, above all, a midfielder: Nandez's name has popped up in the last few hours, especially as there are several deals with Cagliari dance (one of these is Dalbert, who moved to the rossoblu with the formula of the loan with the right to buy set at 7 million). The number one card is certainly that of Nainggolan, but the young Agoumé could also enter the operation, in order to lower the Uruguayan's release clause, currently set at 36 million. The midfield is also the crucial point for Allegri's Juventus, especially after Arthur's knee surgery, which will force him to pit for at least 3 months. If the coach was already waiting for reinforcements before, now he absolutely needs them, starting with that Locatelli in his notebook for months, yet still a Sassuolo player. Cherubini's problem is Arsenal, who raised the bar by offering 45 million euros: the neroverdi would also have accepted, except that Manuel, at the moment, only wants Juve.
However, the new Juventus director knows he has to move quickly, otherwise he would risk missing the target, which is why it is reasonable to expect an upward counter-move compared to the previous offer, stopped at 30 million plus one between Frabotta, Dragusin and Fagioli. In the coming days then, in parallel, Cherubini will also have to deal with the renewals of Dybala (expiring next June) and Ronaldo, who could thus spread his salary (at the moment the most expensive in the world, given that Messi has halved his salaries) over two seasons. Stand by market also for Napoli, who while waiting to talk to Insigne about the contract is trying to give Spalletti a low winger like Emerson Palmieri, fresh European champion with the national team. The problem is that Chelsea value him at 20 million, too many according to De Laurentiis, especially as the Italian-Brazilian expires next year. Even Rome, after the purchase of Rui Patricio from Wolverhampton (11,5 million), is moving with caution, in the meantime, however, Thiago Pinto must defend himself against Tottenham's attacks on Lorenzo Pellegrini, a long-time favorite of Paratici.
Finally, it should be noted thefarewell of Antognoni to Fiorentina (too many differences with the owners, who wanted to "remove" him from the first team instead entrusting him with a scouting role) and the sting on La Spezia, who was blocked from entering the market for the next two years, starting from the next January. The Fifa Disciplinary Commission, in fact, has recognized infringements on the membership of some Nigerian underage players, ordering the very heavy penalty. “We are surprised and disappointed, the irregularities do not concern this property but the previous one – thundered president Platek -. I want to reassure our fans that we will take action, to ensure our competitiveness in the years to come."
