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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.
Manchester United plan €200 million Serie A raid
The Red Devils are set for another busy transfer period after recently securing the service of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Numerous reports have now linked Paulo Dybala with the Premier League outfit. Sky Sports Italia even claims that Juventus and Manchester United have agreed on a swap deal in principle involving Dybala and Romelu Lukaku.
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Numerous speculations have surrounded Dybala since Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival. Many previously expected that Ronaldo and Dybala would form a deadly combination upfront. Unfortunately, things have not gone well for the former Palermo star so far.
He managed to score only 5 times last season, and his agent stated that Ronaldo's presence affected his form. I have revealed in my previous report that United would pay no less than €100 million for the 25-year-old. However, United are not willing to pay in full cash, as the club would send Lukaku plus €15-20 million to match the €100 million valuation.
On the other hand, United have not given up on Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The Serbian was named as Serie A's best midfielder last season. Football Italia reveals that the Red Devils are ready to splash €100 million for the 24-year-old.
United are said to be willing to pay €90 million for the player's transfer, and the rest of the cash will be given as commission to Milinkovic's agent Mateja Kezman. Lazio were able to reject all offers for the Serbian last year.
However, Lazio President Claudio Lotito has admitted that it will be hard to keep the player this time. Manchester United would need to wait for Paul Pogba's decision first before finalizing Milinkovic's transfer.
Real Madrid leave out James Rodriguez amid Marco Asensio injury
James Rodriguez' future has remained uncertain so far. Many reports stated that Real Madrid would keep the Colombian following Marco Asensio's recent injury. Asensio picked up a severe knee injury during his side's 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the International Champions Cup.
The former Mallorca star is expected to be absent throughout the 2019/20 campaign. James could potentially replace the 23-year-old in his absence. The Colombian has returned to Spain and even trained with Real Madrid after coming back from his loan spell at Bayern Munich.
However, Real Madrid have recently taken a surprising decision to leave James out of the club's squad photographs. Napoli have declared their interest in the 28-year-old, and the Serie A side insist that they will only take James on loan with an option to buy. Madrid, on the other hand, want the Partenopei to pay €42 million for the midfielder.
Mauro Icardi receives shock inquiry from Boca Juniors
Mauro Icardi's valuation has dropped drastically since last year. Icardi was Serie A's top scorer with 29 goals in the 2017/18 season. Unfortunately, the player managed to bag just 11 goals in the subsequent campaign and endured various problems off the pitch. The club have now made it clear that the 26-year-old is no longer in their plans moving forward.
Icardi has been linked with numerous top European clubs such as Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain. A recent report reveals that Argentinian club Boca Juniors have made a shock inquiry for the Inter forward. However, Icardi is said to have his heart set on Juventus.
“I know that (Boca director of sport Nicolas) Burdisso spoke to (Inter vice-president Javier) Zanetti and asked about the Icardi situation,” Boca Juniors President Daniel Angelici said.
“It’s worth asking, it doesn’t cost us anything to ask.”
Patrick Cutrone says goodbye to AC Milan following Premier League move
AC Milan Patrick Cutrone is set to play for Wolverhampton Wanderers next season after completing his £16 million move to the Premier League side. Cutrone spent his entire football career with Milan since he joined the club as an 8-year-old. Many regard him as one of Italy's most promising strikers and even compare him to AC Milan legend Filippo Inzaghi.
The 21-year-old bagged 10 league goals in the 2017/18 season. Unfortunately, Cutrone netted just 3 times in the subsequent campaign and was overshadowed by Gonzalo Higuain and Krzysztof Piatek. Now, he is set to open a new chapter in the Premier League.
“I wanted to tell you so many things, but I don’t know where to start… Dear Milan, that’s what it’s like.
“You welcomed me at the age of eight, I was a child who dreamed of scoring a goal at San Siro. Now I have grown up, as a player and a man. Rossonero, on the field and in life. An immense honour.
“Thank you so much for everyone: the staff, my teammates. And a huge embrace for my fans. You will always be in my heart: you made me feel loved in every moment.
“For me, leaving a positive memory in your hearts is the greatest victory. I wish the best to the club that I love, my teammates and fans! With all of my heart, which is red and black, Patrick. Forza MILAN,” Cutrone wrote.
Shkodran Mustafi's agent denies AS Roma contact
The German defender has received plenty of criticism since he joined Arsenal for a massive €41 million. Then-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hoped the former Valencia star can solve the club's worrying defensive problems. Unfortunately, Mustafi has struggled to justify his price and has even become a part of the problem.
He committed numerous errors which cost Arsenal dearly last season. Reports suggest that Arsenal are ready to offload the 27-year-old, with AS Roma reportedly interested in the player. However, Mustafi's agent has denied any contact with the Italian club.
"It’s news to me,” Mustafi's agent said.
“There’s nothing in it. There has been no contact with Roma or any other Italian club.”
The Gunners have focused on strengthening their defense recently. They bought Sokratis Papasthopoulos and Bernd Leno in the previous transfer window and have recently signed William Saliba.
