Ten top players from Italy that could be on their way to England during the transfer window.
10. Mateo Kovacic – Inter Milan
The young Croatian is still finding his way in Italy, but he possesses a precocious talent that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is hoping to hone over the next few years. He has fallen out of favour with the Milanese giants this season and could be set to complete a €15m move at the end of the season. However, he has recently advised his current side to spring for Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, so an exit may not be as straightforward as first thought.
9. Mirko Vucinic – Juventus
The Montenegrin has been one of the most sought after players in Europe this season as Arsenal have been flip-flopping on whether to make a concrete offer for him. Their lack of action has since allowed the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United and Southampton to register their own interest in his services. However, clubs all over Europe are keen to rescue him for Turin, making the path to the Premier League a tricky one to tread.
8. Mehdi Benatia – Roma
Benatia has only been with the club from the capital since last summer, but Manchester United are already hoping to be able to tempt him away with a big money fee. Earlier this week he revealed how he rejected the chance to join Chelsea during Jose Mourinho’s first spell in charge. After several years in Italy now, though, could he be tempted to finally make the move to the Premier League as United seek fresh defensive cover following an ageing back line that is already breaking up.
7. Juan Cuadrado – Fiorentina
The Colombian international has been heavily scouted this term, and has impressed even more as the weeks have progressed. Both Manchester United and Arsenal are thought to be weighing up bids, with the latter even coming close to pulling a move off last summer. Fiorentina now seem resigned to losing him after missing out on the Champions League once again, but with Barcelona lurking in the shadows, the English sides could be fighting a losing battle.
6. Mattia De Sciglio – AC Milan
Italian international De Sciglio has been one of the few bright sparks at Milan this season as the club limp to a disappointing mid-table finish. Not even the arrival of club legend Clarence Seedorf in January could halt the slide and now the 21-year-old could be set for a swift exit. Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur have all been watching as the call of the Premier League beckons, but with Real Madrid interested too, England may have to wait.
5. Gabriel Paletta – Parma
The Argentina born centre-back has already tasted English football during an unsuccessful spell with Liverpool during the 2006/07 season. A short stint back in South America with Boca Juniors paved the way for a move to Parma where he has excelled, and even earned a call up to the national side just in time for the World Cup this summer. With Manchester United’s defensive problems this season they have looked to the 28-year-old as a possible option and will be willing to give him a second chance in the Premier League.
4. Miralem Pjanic – Roma
Pjanic has finally began to fulfil the enormous potential he showed in France when he was a teenager as he has been in inspired form with Roma this term, helping them make their return to the Champions League after an extended absence. However, money is always an issue with the club, and they are open to offers, leading Manchester United to declare their interest. Pjanic is still undecided about what his future holds, but surely he’ll end up in England sooner rather than later.
3. Carlos Tevez – Juventus
Tevez is a familiar name to fans in the UK, having spent a significant portion of his career already with West Ham, Manchester United and Manchester City. He has been a hit this season, helping Juve climb back to the top of the Serie A table to retain their title. However, Liverpool are wary that Luis Suarez may be on his way to Spain this summer, and have targeted the Argentine as a potential replacement.
2. Marek Hamsik – Napoli
Injury and a slight dip of form have robbed the Slovakian some important playing time this term as the side saw their title challenge slip following a strong start. He was once considered the poster boy for the Neapolitans, but they have hinted that a sale in the near future could not be ruled out. That news has alerted Manchester United, who are said to be desperate to add some more quality into the middle of the pitch after so many of their stars have disappointed.
1. Mario Balotelli – AC Milan
Super Mario is another face familiar to those on these shores, after spending a mixed spell at Manchester City. Now playing for his boyhood club, he is said to have become disillusioned at the club following their own lacklustre season, and the fairytale may already be over after just 18 months. Arsenal have looked the keenest to bring him on board as Arsene Wenger looks to add more firepower to his frontline ahead of a renewed title challenge next season.