Juventus are in a hurry to redo their look in attack and accelerate for Edin Dzeko. The Bosnian seems that he has decided to join the Bianconeri: according to the ‘Corriere dello Sport’. The indication came during a dinner held last Thursday evening and a deal was reached between the attorney of the striker Silvano Martina and the Juventus CFO Fabio Paratici. The deal sees €10 million plus 2 bonuses to go to Roma and 7.5 to the player, the same salary he receives in the Giallorossi.
Conte instructs Inter to snub Tonali
Antonio Conte is pushing Inter towards more experienced figures like Aleksandar Kolarov, Arturo Vidal and N’Golo Kanté, letting Milan swoop for Sandro Tonali instead.
Since Conte’s crisis talks with President Steven Zhang earlier this week, the transfer strategy at San Siro has changed to better suit the views of the coach. That means a focus on experience, leadership and more mature players rather than up-and-coming talent. Because of this, there are multiple reports a deal has been done with Roma worth just under €2m for full-back Kolarov, while negotiations are stepping up again with Barcelona for his old Juventus midfielder Vidal.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claim Inter must sell players to raise funds for Conte’s preferred choice, Chelsea midfielder Kanté, who he had brought in from Leicester City in 2016 for €35m. It’s reported the cost of signing the 29-year-old now would be closer to €50m, so players sacrificed to make way could include Marcelo Brozovic, Roberto Gagliardini and even Christian Eriksen.
Other options include Thomas Partey of Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur’s Tanguy Ndombélé. In turn, Inter have dropped the agreement they already had with Brescia to sign Tonali on loan with obligation to buy for a total €35m. – Football Italia
Tonali heading to Milan …
Brescia President Massimo Cellino confirms Milan are making a genuine push to sign Sandro Tonali, despite reports of a deal with Inter.
For some weeks and even months, it has been assumed that Tonali would be heading to the blue and black side of San Siro for circa €25m. However, over the last 48 hours, Milan have considerably stepped up the pressure on Brescia and the 20-year-old Italy international. Sky Sport Italia insist they have an interview with Cellino, which will air later this evening, in which he confirms Milan are in negotiations for Tonali.
It’s arguable he would get more playing time with the Rossoneri, not to mention that he confessed to supporting AC Milan. – Football Italia
Atalanta offer €20 million for Kevin Lasagna
Atalanta have offered €20m for striker Kevin Lasagna, claim Sportitalia, but Udinese are asking for €30m including bonuses.
The centre-forward just turned 28 and is coming off a very strong season, scoring 10 Serie A goals and two in the Coppa Italia. According to Sportitalia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà , his work rate, pace and height caught the eye of coach Gian Piero Gasperini and the Atalanta directors. The offer is believed to be around €20m, but the Friulani want at least €25m plus another €4-5m in performance-related bonuses. – Football Italia
McKennie joins Juventus from Schalke 04
US midfielder Weston McKennie has joined Juventus from Schalke 04. The 22-year-old is having medical tests Friday for the nine-time straight and reigning Serie A champions.
He is the first US player to join the Turin giants Schalke will get some six million euros for the loan, which carries a buyout clause worth some 18 million euros. Texan McKennie played 75 times for He has 19 USA caps, starting in 2017, and six goals for his country. – ANSA
