Nicolo Zaniolo, a race against time to escape from Rome; Everton could get a free setting alongside the Dyche cure; Rafa Leao, the English sirens continue to howl. Here are some of the most important stories from recent days in the transfer market from TribalFootball transfer expert Rudy Galetti
ZANIOLO – TURKEY IS THE LAST RESORT
The paths of Nicolò Zaniolo and AS Roma are definitely separated. The player was kicked out of the squad by Giallorossi’s management, thus removing him from the sports project.
During the last days of the winter transfer market, many teams tried to sig Nicolò: in particular AC Milan, who however only had the possibility of offering a loan option, which was categorically rejected by Roma.
Then, Bournemouth made a serious decision with an official offer of 30 million euros to the Italian club, which accepted the proposal. However, at first the player was not convinced of the destination: when he realized that there was no other way to escape from Rome, it was already too late.
In fact, the English club has invested the same amount in Sassuolo’s Junior Traore.
To date, the hope, or rather the last resort to save the continuation of the season, remains Turkey: with the market open until February 8, Galatasaray still have a few hours to perform a miracle.
The Turkish club has already reached an agreement with the player on salary and years of contract. The release clause remains under discussion (Zaniolo wants 20 million euros, Galatasaray wants more than 30 million euros), but it doesn’t seem to be a problem. It all depends on the clubs: the Turks offered AS Roma €22m, which reduced the demands from €30m to €26m. The difference is not great: very hot schedules, with a little optimism, especially on the part of the players.
VLAHOVIC’S FAREWELL? JUVENTUS SET THEIR PRIZE
Dusan Vlahovic could leave Juventus this summer. Incredible but true: just a year after his arrival, the Bianconeri are open to their non-footballing situation, to consider offers for the Serbian striker. If suitable offers come along, they let him go. For this reason, sporting director Federico Cherubini has already set the price for his player at around 80 million euros.
In the Premier League, Dusan has many admirers: the forward is also interested in Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Therefore, the Spanish option cannot be excluded, with Atletico Madrid in pole position. In particular, in the event of Joao Felix’s permanent transfer, Vlahovic would become Cholo Simeone’s main target.
EVERTON – REBIRTH AND DREAM OF THE FREE AGENT MARKET
He didn’t even have time to sit on the Everton bench, but Sean Dyche has already performed his first miracle by beating Premier League leaders Arsenal. After this unexpected success, the management of Everton Dyche wants to give a new player – apparently as a free agent.
The talks are in full swing and a new meeting is scheduled these days to take the negotiations forward: the ex-Real Madrid player could join Merseyside to help the Toffees stay in the Premier League. At least that’s what fans hope.
MOSES CAICEDO, A MISSED OPPORTUNITY THAT (PERHAPS) WILL NOT RETURN
He tried until the last moment: Moises Caicedo wanted to join Arsenal at all costs during the winter session of the transfer market and his agents did everything to make the move possible before Deadline Day. However, Brighton were adamant and their position was clear to everyone: the player was not for sale.
Arsenal therefore turned their attention back to Jorginho: Mikel Arteta had requested at least one midfielder during the window that had just expired and Chelsea’s Italian player certainly brought experience to the Premier League leaders. However, the main target of this market session – Caicedo – remained at Brighton and who knows if the Ecuadorian will still have the opportunity to meet up at the Emirates Stadium or elsewhere in the future.
In fact, the Gunners manager has let club management know that he will make a final decision on whether or not the Brighton midfielder will return, depending on the performance of Albert Sambi Lokonga, who is now on loan at Crystal. Palace.
The Belgian has a desire to show off at Palace and win back Arteta’s trust. With Arsenal eyeing Lokonga first and Chelsea going all-in on Enzo Fernandez, can Caicedo get stuck in Brighton? Maybe not: let’s pay attention to Liverpool next summer. When Jude Bellingham’s option fails, they’re ready to push for Moises.
RAFAEL LEAO: A FUTURE TO DECIDE
Rafael Leao, as his lawyer recently confirmed, is working with Milan to find a solution to extend his contract. The situation of the Portuguese, however, is not yet clear and the difficult period the Rossoneri are facing – with Leao one of the key players to be affected – has attracted the attention of some Premier League teams. Now, with the arrival of Mykhaylo Mudryk, Leao is no longer a priority. At the moment, the clubs that have real interest are basically 2: Arsenal – who had identified the ideal left winger in Mudryk, then stolen from Chelsea – and Manchester City.
Citizens have been following developments in Leao’s situation for many weeks and may decide to take concrete action in the coming months.
AC Milan have been warned: missing the next Champions League could surely mean losing to the Portuguese to raise funds.