There’s still weeks of the transfer window remaining but two names are dominating the Serie A landscape right now.
They are both frontmen, both in demand and, according to this SBOBET observer, both underrated.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo last summer, reigning champions Juventus have again secured arguably the signing of the summer so far but there could be another big move or two to follow.
The names so many are talking about are Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala.
There’s no question Lukaku will score goals at any level. Indeed, it’s a surprise to me that Manchester United are reportedly willing to part with the Belgian who has a fine scoring record during his two seasons at Old Trafford.
It’s no secret that coach Antonio Conte wants him. After all, he was beaten to his signature two years ago by then United boss Jose Mourinho when Conte was at Chelsea.
The fact remains, though, that Inter have offered a valuation well below his worth in the current market.
Indeed, why would United sell for anything less than the £75 million they required to secure his services 24 months ago, especially for a player whose record is nearly that of a goal a game in which he starts.
That is where Juventus come into the equation.
If reports are to be believed, the Italian champions are now considering the Belgian number nine as well.
In fact, his latest tweet suggests things are moving.
Serie A highlights would be livened up even more with the arrival of another prolific frontman, receiving service from the likes of Ronaldo and co.
The rivalry between these two clubs looks set to last well beyond a transfer deal, judging by the way they went head to head in the International Champions Cup earlier this week.
Interestingly if a deal can be reached – if it is even being considered – both clubs could well benefit.
The too often flattering-to-deceive Paul Pogba struck up a fine rapport with Dybala during his days in Italy.
When Dybala left Palermo for Juventus ahead of the 2015-16 Serie A season, Pogba played a crucial role in bringing the best out of the dazzling Argentinian. The talented youngsters became a lethal duo in the Juve attack – collecting a combined 21 assists.
Pogba’s playmaking skills also helped Dybala flourish up front, with the latter scoring 19 goals and finishing second in the goalscoring charts.
Anyway, I digress.
There are plenty of other bits of transfer business to consider before you consult the Serie A betting odds.
Juventus have already snapped up Adrien Rabiot and Aaron Ramsey on free transfers and Cristian Romero has cost them £23 million, although he has been loaned straight back to Genoa for the 2019-20 campaign.
With Nicolas Pepe seemingly going to Arsenal, last season’s runners-up Napoli are turning their focus back to PSV Eindhoven winger Hirving Lozano.
It’s claimed much of it was down to commission, totalling €10m, that the Partenopei would have had to pay Pepe’s representatives.
And with Real Madrid still refusing to release James Rodriguez on loan with option to buy, Napoli are going back to a target first mentioned in January.
Lozano plays a similar position to Pepe and turns 24 next week, contributing 21 goals and 12 assists in 40 competitive games for PSV last season.
He would be another welcome addition to Serie A.
It may not appear so on the face of it but Milan may well have secured two astute recruits themselves.
Rade Krunic and Ismael Bennacer from relegated Empoli are not the most glamorous signings yet could be of real benefit.
Milan, of course, have been excluded from European football next season as a result of their Financial Fair Play settlement, with Torino set to take their place.
Among the other notable incomings so far are Pedro Obiang who has left the cut and thrust of the English Premier League with West Ham for Sassuolo.
Eljif Elmas persuaded Napoli to pay more than £14 million to Fenerbahce, Amadou Diawara swapped Naples for Rome with defender Kostas Manolas going the other way for £32 million and Ruslan Malinovskyi has left Genk in Belgium for last season’s surprise package Atalanta.
It’s not just incomings where the focus is, however.
Ivan Perisic, despite being involved in pre-season, is clearly not part of Conte’s plans at Inter and would be a signing of genuine quality should he depart the San Siro.
Meanwhile, midfielder Daniele De Rossi, who has left Roma after 18 years at the club and joins Argentinian side Boca Juniors on a free transfer.
With the Serie A market open until August 23, the simple advice is: Watch this space!
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