The Cult of Calcio
·24 October 2024
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Yahoo sportsThe Cult of Calcio
·24 October 2024
Serie A giants Milan have reportedly joined Atalanta in the race to sign out-of-favor Napoli center-forward Giacomo Raspadori. According to La Repubblica, the Lombard clubs have set their sights on the Italy international, who could leave Naples in the January transfer window.
After Romelu Lukaku arrived from Chelsea, Raspadori’s first-team opportunities at the Diego Maradona Stadium have dwindled. Rarely used by new manager Antonio Conte, the former Sassuolo forward may re-evaluate his options in the coming months, with Milan monitoring the situation.
Despite landing the likes of Alvaro Morata andTammy Abraham in the summer, Milan remain in the market for a new striker. The club extended Luka Jovic’s contract at the end of last season. However, the Serb’s future looks sealed after he tumbled down the pecking order under new boss Paulo Fonseca.
As for Abraham, Milan signed him in a swap loan deal with Roma involving Alexis Saelemaekers. But there’s no buyout clause, meaning the parties would have to meet again to discuss a permanent transfer. Therefore, last season’s Serie A runners-up are considering other alternatives.
Raspadori has emerged as a potential cost-effective opportunity. Frustrated with his current status at Napoli, the 24-year-old could request permission to depart as early as this winter. Milan would be ready to pounce, but they must watch out for Atalanta.
Like Milan, Gian Piero Gasperini has spotted the possibility of reinforcing his frontline without making a substantial financial sacrifice. But Napoli’s stance on Raspadori’s future remains uncertain.