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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.
Rodrigo de Paul wants Udinese exit
The Argentinian midfielder has impressed since joining Udinese for just €3 million in 2016. He became an instant hit at the club, amassing 32 appearances as a starter and scoring 4 goals in his debut Serie A season.
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The 25-year-old seems to have reached the peak of his career. He started 36 league games in the 2018/19 season and was involved in no less than 17 goals last term. The former Valencia star even earned an Argentina call-up to play in the Copa America. He was able to convince Lionel Scaloni, as he started 5 out of 6 Argentina matches in the competition.
However, Udinese might struggle to keep the player, as De Paul confirmed that he wants to leave for Champions League club. Udinese finished just 4 points above the relegation zone last season.
“I want to play in the Champions League, I want to take a step forward in my career,” the 25-year-old revealed.
Nevertheless, he still maintains high respect for his current club and states that every interested team must meet Udinese's demands first.
“I want to grow even more, but it won’t happen until someone meets Udinese’s demands.
“Still, I want to play in the Champions League again, whether that’s in Italy, Spain or the Premier League," he concluded.
De Paul has been linked with several top European clubs such as Inter Milan, Napoli and Tottenham Hotspur. However, the player still has 4 years left on his contract and does not have a release clause. Thus, Udinese will likely demand a huge fee for the 25-year-old.
Inter Milan confirm their approach for Romelu Lukaku
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has been strongly linked with a move to Serie A recently. Lukaku has confirmed his desire to play in the Italian top flight, and Inter Milan is now his most likely destination. The player's agent Federico Pastorello has also revealed that the Serie A outfit is seriously interested in the 26-year-old.
Inter have recently made another attempt to sign the Manchester United star, as the club's officials have traveled to England to discuss Lukaku. Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio confirmed that the former Everton striker is on Conte's wishlist.
“We had a meeting with Manchester United for Lukaku,” Ausilio revealed.
“It was an official approach between two important clubs. We’ll see what happens. Conte wants every player we’re trying to sign.”
Ausilio also cracked a joke when asked about Nicolo Barella's imminent arrival.
“I didn’t even know about it!”
Milan Skriniar never thinks of leaving Inter
Many have regarded the 24-year-old as one of Serie A's best defender alongside top players such as Kalidou Koulibaly and Kostas Manolas. He made 35 appearances as a starter last campaign and helped his side to become one of the best defensive outfits in the league.
Several top clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester City have gathered interest for the former Sampdoria star, but Skriniar decided to stay with Inter. He signed a new long-term contract in May. The defender also insists that he has never thought of leaving Inter.
“There’s a great desire to work and improve,” he said.
“We’re working hard and well, and that’s important: we knew what was waiting for us with the new Coach and it was immediately visible from the first training session.
“We know we have to give our all from day one because our objective is to fight for the top spots.
“I’ve always said that I wanted to stay here and I’m happy to be here. With the new coach, there could be a new system of playing so we have to be very attentive.
“We’re also working with that in mind, to do better and better,” he concluded.
Matthijs de Ligt offered to Manchester United despite Juventus agreement
Juventus are yet to announce the signing of the 19-year-old despite numerous reports suggest that the transfer is very close to completion. De Ligt's agent Mino Raiola has confirmed that the Old Lady have agreed on personal terms with the Ajax star. However, Ajax and Juventus are yet to agree on the transfer price.
On the other hand, football consultant Ian McGarry suggested that Raiola has offered De Ligt to Manchester United. Unfortunately for the Red Devils fans, Ed Woodward is reportedly reluctant to pay Raiola's enormous commission. The Italian super-agent is believed to demand a massive €10.5 million from the Premier League side.
“Manchester United have certainly shown a great interest in [De Ligt],” McGarry told the Transfer Window Podcast.
“But are understandably cynical about the fact Mino Raiola is his agent and Raiola has caused them problems already with Paul Pogba throughout his time at Old Trafford.
“I was told last weekend that Raiola had again come back to Ed Woodward to offer De Ligt and that the problems in terms of De Ligt actually securing a move out of Ajax is not the fee that Ajax were asking, which is similar to the €75m [£67m] they secured from Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona, but of course Mino’s commission - which is coming in at around €10.5m [£9m] net.
“Usually a commission on any transfer deal for an agent is between six and 7.5 per cent.
“10 per cent usually is the maximum a club will pay, but with Raiola, he always asks for more as he did with Pogba."
Agent confirms Barcelona strong interest in Lautaro Martinez
Barcelona are yet to sign a new striker after losing Munir El Haddadi to Sevilla. On the other hand, Luis Suarez is past 30 years of age and is not getting any younger. The Catalans are perhaps lucky to have Suarez, who has excellent fitness and is able to score goals regularly.
Nevertheless, they will need to find a replacement for the Uruguayan sooner or later, and Lautaro could be the player who the La Liga champions want. Lautaro's agent Alberto Yaque confirms that Barcelona are strongly interested in the 22-year-old.
“Talk of Barcelona’s interest is true,” the agent revealed.
“No-one’s called us, but we know that they’ve been looking at him strongly. It’s true that Barcelona like him.”
Lautaro impressed in Copa America, scoring 2 goals from 4 appearances. His release clause currently stands at around €112 million
