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Hello and welcome to the Serie A news and rumours of the day! As usual, there are many exciting stories from the rumour mill to read. So, let's take a look at the top stories of the day surrounding the Italian top flight.
Inter table €83 million for Romelu Lukaku
Inter Milan have chased Romelu Lukaku for some time now. It is understood that the Belgian striker remains Inter's top target to replace the exiled Mauro Icardi. According to Times, Inter are willing to table massive £75 million (€83 million) to close the deal.
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The club will pay £60 million upfront to United, and the rest of the money will be paid in the form of add-ons. United have recently rejected Inter's £54 million bid for the striker. However, Inter are yet to submit the previously mentioned £75 million, despite the Italian club already show their willingness to do so.
Manchester United insist that Inter will have to pay more than £80 million. Inter boss Antonio Conte has revealed that he desperately wants the Belgian at his team.
“You know I like Lukaku, but he's a Manchester United player,” Conte said.
“I got to know him very well from my time as Chelsea Coach. I consider him an important player for us, but at the same time, there's the market.
“We know very well what our situation is at the moment and we'll see what happens. but for now, Lukaku is a United player."
The former Chelsea boss also seems to have grown frustrated in the chase. He has expressed his disappointment, saying that he will play without a striker against Manchester United.
Conte further admitted that he had 'expected' Inter Milan to already have brought in new forward.
“It's not easy to play against teams like Manchester United and Juventus without strikers at the start of the season. Nevertheless, the market is still open, and we're assessing players to buy and sell. Against Manchester United, I'll play without strikers."
“The club and I have the same vision. I'm confident, even though I expected us to be further ahead.”
Nicolas Pepe wants Premier League move despite huge Napoli offer
Ivorian starlet Nicolas Pepe has attracted interest from numerous top European clubs following his impressive spell in the Ligue 1. He amassed 22 goals and contributed 11 assists last season, becoming the league's second-highest goalscorer behind only Kylian Mbappe.
A recent report suggests that Napoli have offered cash of around €60-65 million plus Algerian star Adam Ounas, and Lille are said to be interested in the offer. Ounas was one of Algeria's standout stars in Africa Cup of Nations, contributing 3 goals and an assist.
Unfortunately for Napoli, Pepe has his heart set on the Premier League. Lille President Gerrard Lopez has confirmed that Liverpool are interested in the player. On the other hand, Napoli want the Ivorian as an alternative to James Rodriguez. The Partenopei have given up on the Real Madrid star, refusing to meet Madrid's €42 million demand.
Carlo Ancelotti insists Mario Rui and Faouzi Ghoulam are not for sale
Mario Rui is said to have attracted interest from Benfica and FC Porto. The 28-year-old played just 20 league games last season. However, Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti insisted that the Portuguese player is not for sale. The manager further stated that the club would also keep fellow left-back Faouzi Ghoulam.
Ghoulam made just 16 league appearances in the last campaign and was left out of Algeria's Africa Cup of Nations squad.
“Mario Rui is not on the market, and neither is Faouzi Ghoulam, as we have no intention of selling them. They are a strong pair who work well together," Ancelotti said.
The former Real Madrid manager also revealed that Napoli could bring in 2 big names after signing Kostas Manolas.
“We will be ready by August 31 when the transfer window closes, and we could purchase another two big players and not just one.”
Andrea Barzagli unsure over future
Former Juventus defender decided to retire from football after the conclusion of 2018/19 season. The 38-year-old won 8 consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus before hanging up his boots. Many believed that Barzagli would join Maurizio Sarri's coaching staff at Juventus, but it was proven to be untrue.
The Italian did join a coaching course. However, he is still unsure of his future. Barzagli revealed that he does not miss football for now. He further hinted that he is yet to find the right motivation to pursue a managerial career.
“At this moment, I don’t miss football. I am calm and relaxed,” he said.
“I was pushed to the limit, and my body really was struggling. I might change my mind eventually when nostalgia sets in, but right now, I have to admit that I am happy like this.”
“As for myself, I still don’t know if I’ll become a coach. As with all professions, you need passion and above all ability. Before making a decision, I want to be sure that I have both.”
Vincenzo Montella confirms Interest in Daniele de Rossi
Italian midfielder Daniele de Rossi has been without a club since AS Roma decided not to renew his contract. The 35-year-old made 18 appearances last season, scoring a goal and providing 2 assists. Roma's decision over De Rossi has sparked anger among fans.
On the other hand, Vincenzo Montella admitted that Fiorentina have offered an escape route for the midfielder. Unfortunately, Montella further stated that De Rossi was not ready to play for a different Italian club.
“Daniele didn’t feel ready to play for a different Italian club, even though Fiorentina had been entirely at his disposal. I understand that,” said Montella.
Now, the 35-year-old is said to be close to joining Argentinian club Boca Juniors. His former AS Roma teammate Nicolas Burdisso has actively pushed him towards Boca since a month ago. Boca President Daniel Angelici has confirmed that De Rossi will soon arrive in Buenos Aires to finalize the deal.
