It’s that time of year again when transfer rumours are everywhere, and fans of Serie A clubs are wondering who their teams will be signing.
Stagnation certainly isn’t an option for some of Italy’s most respected clubs. While some sides are limited in terms of resources they have at their disposal, there are other teams with money in the bank who will be looking to become even more of a force this season. For example, prestigious sides like Juventus are expected to spend big in an attempt to return to the top of the tree in Italy. Likewise, Napoli’s decline will see the clubs’ hierarchy undoubtedly aim to make some big signings in the coming weeks.
After all, Inter cruised through to their 20th Serie A title, winning the competition with a staggering 19-point lead over city rivals Milan. For Inter’s opponents, it was a painful scenario given the typically competitive nature of the league. As such, clubs will have notable plans as they attempt to close the gap this season and mount more of a challenge. It won’t be easy, though, particularly as Inter themselves have already added some additional quality with the likes of Piotr Zielinski, Mehdi Taremi and Josep Martinez.
Still, for fans of Italy’s top flight, the upcoming season is shaping up to be an even more fascinating one, especially if some exciting talents join their beloved clubs. With that in mind, let’s take a look at an array of stars some of Italy’s top sides are reportedly looking at.
Juventus star Federico Chiesa could join a rival
There were big problems at Juventus last season, suggesting that there could be a lot of upheaval at the Turin-based club in the coming weeks. If one of the most famous clubs around is expecting to move closer to Inter next season, then refreshing their squad is a must. While the likes of Khéphren Thuram, Michele Di Gregorio, Juan Cabal and Douglas Luiz have already joined the club, there are a number of players who are likely to be shown the exit door. One of them is Federico Chiesa. The Italian international has been linked with Roma and Napoli. Chiesa is unwilling to sign a contract extension at the club and his deal runs out in 2025, meaning that Juventus could look to acquire a fee for him now instead of losing him for nothing next summer. A dangerous attacker on his day, Chiesa’s injury issues have been well documented but he’s a player that could easily kick on elsewhere. The Italian has also been linked with a move to the Premier League, although a domestic move is probably more likely.
Inter linked with some fascinating names
For fans who make bold predictions online and enjoy football betting, last season’s champions are likely to be backed again this campaign, particularly given the reported targets the club is chasing. One of them is Dan Ndoye, a player who stood out for Switzerland at the Euros and shone for his club side, Bologna, at times last season. The 23-year-old’s impressive showings have seen the likes of Inter Milan being linked with a move, although Bologna aren’t keen on parting ways with a player they paid €9m for just last year. The former Basel player isn’t the finished article, though, but he’s a player Inter could look to develop. Inter are also linked with a move for Genoa’s Albert Guðmundsson and Venezia‘s Tanner Tessmann, although the transfer of the American star appears less likely today.
Antonio Conte’s Napoli are expected to be busy
Following the recent appointment of Antonio Conte as their new manager, Napoli are expected to provide their new boss with the tools needed to get back to competing with the country’s biggest clubs. Napoli’s decline has been concerning, with their title-winning campaign from the 2022-23 season feeling like decades ago, given the hangover that unfolded. Now, with a new manager at the helm and the potential for the club to rebuild and go again, Napoli fans can be forgiven for getting a tad excited. A few game-changing additions could certainly improve their chances of success this season, with a number of fascinating acquisitions being linked to the club. One of them is Romelu Lukaku, a player who knows both Antonio Conte and Italian football extremely well. The Belgian would bolster Napoli’s attack and enable Conte to have more firepower at his disposal, but only once Victor Osimhen leaves. Barcelona’s Brazilian striker, Vitor Roque, has also been linked with a move to the Stadio Maradona alongside the above-mentioned Chiesa. Mario Hermoso, an ex-Atletico defender, available for free, is a name for the defence a department that Conte has already strengthened through the signing of Alessandro Buongiorno and Rafa Marin.
Milan are interested in a number of players
Witnessing their fiercest rivals win the league at a canter would have been tough for anyone connected to Milan, making a summer of changes a necessity. The Rossoneri have just announced the signing of experienced Spanish striker Alvaro Morata, but more purchases will follow. Milan are considering bringing a second centre forward, plus one defender and one central midfielder. The latest reports suggest that Strahinja Pavlović is the leading candidate for the centre-back position, while Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana is the priority in central midfield. Milan will also meet Lazar Samardzic’s father and have already sent an offer to Adrien Rabiot, who has decided against extending his contract with Juventus.