Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Juventus Midfielder Changes His Mind but the Club Eyes a Replacement

June 29, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market

Aaron Ramsey is widely considered the most likely Juventus midfielder to leave in the summer. The player himself hinted at a departure, citing his struggles in Turin. However, his entourage recently made it known that he would like to stay and work again under Massimiliano Allegri. He would be tough to move because of his salary, In the meantime, the Bianconeri are among the teams tracking Renato Sanches, who has a €30M price tag.

Milan and Roma Interested in Highly-Rated RB Leipzig Playmaker

June 29, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

Marcel Sabitzer may leave RB Leipzig this summer to take on a different challenge. The midfielder was one of the main protagonists in Austria’s impressive Euro run. He has only a year left in his contract with the German club and is not inclined to extend it. Milan and Roma both appreciate his skill-set. His deal has a €50M release clause, but he could move for less, although not for particularly cheap. Both sides want a new midfielder.

Despite the emotions at play, Mbappé will be eager to score against Milan, the club he idolized as a youngster and inflict perhaps a third winless UCL game.

Mbappé Reacts to Euro Flop, Focus Moves to PSG vs Real Madrid Duel

June 29, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Euro 2020, PSG, Real Madrid, Transfer Market

Kylian Mbappé did not deliver in the Euro, which ended with the deciding miss in the penalty shoot-out against Switzerland. “It is very tough to turn the page, I feel immense sadness after this elimination." He is now set to be the main piece of the possible domino of high-profile strikers. His contract expires is up in a year, and the negotiations to extend it have not gone well. He has asked for €50M wages to PSG, and Real Madrid covet him.

Arsenal Trying to Hijack Napoli Signing, Linked to Sassuolo Fullback

June 29, 2021 Enrico Passarella Arsenal, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Napoli, Sassuolo, Serie A, Transfer Market

Arsenal are eyeing a pair of fullbacks with Serie A ties. They have made an offer for Nuno Tavares, whom Napoli have been extensively pursuing in recent weeks. Moreover, they added Mert Muldur to the list of possible replacements for Hector Bellerin. Both defenders have a €15M price tag. The Turkish international is among the options to substitute the Spaniard that has recently been linked to Inter and Atletico Madrid.

Atalanta Make Surprise Move for Milan Midfielder, Still Tracking AZ Star

June 29, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Atalanta, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Transfer Market

Atalanta intend to acquire another midfielder and have short-listed Tommaso Pobega and Teun Koopmeiners. The former is back at Milan after a loan spell at Spezia, while the latter could leave AZ for €15/20M. The Rossoneri have yet to decide what to do with their youngster. Pobega bagged 6 goals in 20 matches with the Aquilotti last season, while the Dutch midfielders has shined in Eredivisie. Still, they plan to hold onto Pessina.

Ronaldo Comments on Elimination, No Offers to Leave Juventus Yet

June 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Euro 2020, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Transfer Market

Cristiano Ronaldo took it to Instagram to address the elimination from Euro 2020. “We did not get the result we wanted and we were eliminated from the competition earlier than anticipated. We are proud of our journey, we gave everything." The focus shifts on his future with Juventus, which reportedly have yet to receive an offer for its ace. The clubs that could afford his salary are very numbered and currently focused on other matters.

Sampdoria have parted ways with Danish talent Mikkel Damsgaard, with Premier League outfit Brentford snapping up his services on a five-year deal.

Strong Euro Land Sampdoria Starlet on Barcelona and Milan Radar

June 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Barcelona, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Sampdoria, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

After a fine season with Sampdoria, Mikkel Damsgaard is using the Euro as a further showcase. He took on a bigger role when Denmark lost Christian Eriksen. He bagged a great goal against Russia and participated in the romp of Wales with an assist. His quality performances have drawn interest from Barcelona and Milan. The Blucerchiati want €30M to cash in on him after just one season, where he posted 2 goals and 4 assists.

Juventus to Meet Sassuolo Again to Get Closer to Coveted Midfielder

June 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Sassuolo, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Transfer Market

Juventus have scheduled a second summit with Sassuolo to negotiate the transfer of Manuel Locatelli. The two sides laid the groundwork last week but have not examined the details of the deal in depth. The meeting could happen early not to distract him from the upcoming match versus Belgium. The two sides are discussing the formula of the transfer and the evaluation of the youngsters that could be included in the package.

Two Belgium Stars Could Miss Quarterfinals, Italy Mull Lineup Tweaks

June 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella Belgium, Euro 2020, Italy

Belgium dug deep to defeat Portugal Sunday, and they could be severely depleted for the Italy clash. Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard subbed off due to injuries. The Manchester City ace tried to play through an ankle problem but bowed out two minutes into the second half. The Real Madrid attacker left the match late clutching the back of his thigh. In the meantime, Roberto Mancini is thinking about changing his standard formation.

Fiorentina intend to boost their attack line with a talented striker, and Real Madrd outcast Luka Jovic is their primary target, on a potential loan deal.

Milan Include Out-of-Favor Striker in Extensive Talks with Real Madrid

June 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Serie A, Transfer Market

Milan are discussing multiple players with Real Madrid, and Luka Jovic has emerged as an alternative to Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman is their top target for the attack, but they want him only on a free transfer, while Chelsea recently picked up an option to extend his contract. The Rossoneri are looking to make a cheap but quality addition to the front-line in order to manage Zlatan Ibrahimovic's minutes and have more depth.

Inter Prioritizing Arsenal Fullback in Search for Hakimi Replacement

June 28, 2021 Enrico Passarella Arsenal, Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Serie A, Transfer Market

Finding a new starter on the right wing will be the first order of business for Inter. While they are working on multiple options, Hector Bellerin is their preferred target at this stage. They had some talks with Arsenal late in the week. They would like to add him on loan with an option or obligation to buy to delay the payment to 2022, when the budget could be higher. The alternatives are Davide Zappacosta and Manuel Lazzari.

Lukaku Teases Ronaldo: “I Think He Envies My Aim and Our Team Play”

June 25, 2021 Enrico Passarella Belgium, Euro 2020, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Portugal, Serie A

Romelu Lukaku talked to the press today from the camp in Tubize. Belgium will face Portugal Sunday, and the Inter star did not shy away from the duel with Cristiano Ronaldo. “He was the capocannoniere, but we won the Scudetto. I crave his dribbling and his shooting ability. On the other hand, I think he envies a little my strength and aim, and our team play. We are more mature compared to the 2018 World Cup, we were too romantic."

Author: Enrico Passarella