Roberto Mancini is optimistic about Atletico Madrid striker Alessio Cerci landing at Inter, and discusses other prospects for the mercato.
The Nerazzurri are competing with Milan for the services of Cerci, with Rossonero Vice-President Adriano Galliani today hinting at the possibility of a move in the future amid a suggested swap deal with Fernando Torres.
Roberto Mancini is optimistic about Atletico Madrid striker Alessio Cerci landing at Inter, and discusses other prospects for the mercato.
The Nerazzurri are competing with Milan for the services of Cerci, with Rossonero Vice-President Adriano Galliani today hinting at the possibility of a move in the future amid a suggested swap deal with Fernando Torres.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Mancio has revealed that he would be pleased if the former Roma winger arrived in his team, instead.
“Within its limits, the club gave me full availability, which is nice to hear,” said Mancini.
“Cerci is strong and an important player, and I hear he wants to return to Italy. It will take a stroke of luck.
“An offensive winger is one of our targets, but we'll see what happens in the mercato in January. We must look at those who are not playing, who lack motivation and are unhappy where they are.
“Cerci is having trouble in Madrid, he isn't playing, but maybe Atletico picked him up because they have a project around him.
“The chances of buying him are high, we have been following the player for a while, but we say this cautiously.”
Mancini also had the opportunity to comment on several other prospects that Inter are considering for the mercato.
“Anything can happen in football. [Ezequiel] Lavezzi is a big name, he knows Serie A but he belongs to Paris-Saint German now. Perhaps in June, who knows?
“[Mohamed] Salah is a very interesting young prospect. [Ivan] Perisic is a good player, he has the right profile – but he isn't easy to get to, either.
“[Lucas] Leiva is a big name too, his experience would come in handy. But he's with Liverpool, so we'll see. Clubs don't give away their players that easy.”
The former Manchester City manager was open to the idea that some of the current players may be sold to reach these objectives.
“It's something that happens in football. Maybe an important sale allows you to buy the players that establish a foundation for the future, whether they are young or not.”
A possible candidate for Inter's sales strategy is Fredy Guarin, a player that Mancini shows appreciation for, as well as Mateo Kovacic.
“Guarin has many qualities, and the anarchy he has inside himself can only be lost with hard work.
“Kovacic has a clean face and is an excellent player. I expect him to have fun playing football and to keep developing naturally on his own path, both physically and as a man.
“I told my players: ‘you matter more than I do’. And that's the truth.”
Finally, the tactician had a word about Mario Balotelli, who is presently being linked with a return to Inter.
“Well, he didn't help himself, really,” said Mancini, on the fact that Super Mario still has more detractors than admirers.
“I think Mario should spend a good Christmas, and then go back to being as he was. If he returned to his former strength, sooner or later I'd want him back. Everything depends on him.”