The ongoing pandemic has forced clubs to be creative on the transfer front in recent times, taking advantage of unique opportunities to get deals done. Serie A clubs have nonetheless been active, in hopes of bolstering their sides and dethroning Juventus for the first time in 10 seasons.
When the mercato reopens in January, expect many of Italy’s giants to be proactive, looking to put their respective sides over the edge. Here are three players who might be on the move come-January:
The Udinese midfielder has regularly been linked with a move away and has since established himself as one of Italy’s elite two-way players. De Paul thrives on the outside of a midfield three but is equally capable of playing as the side’s trequartista and has even featured at the base of midfield. His versatility makes him an interesting fit for many of Serie A’s top sides, prompting interest from Inter and Juventus.
Leeds United was heavily linked with a move this past summer but was unable to agree to terms with Udinese. De Paul has hit the ground running once again this season, demonstrating he is more than ready to take the next step in his career. The Udinese man will undoubtedly be at the heart of many discussions this January, especially for sides looking to boost their midfield ranks.
2) Gianluca Scamacca (Genoa)
The Genoa hitman has taken Serie A by storm this season, bursting onto the scene as one of Italy’s most intriguing attacking talents. Scamacca has proven to be a willing runner up front, combining his athleticism and predatory instinct to be in the right place at the right time. Genoa’s relegation battle may mean they are reluctant to part ways with their striker, but Italy’s elite has come calling.
Milan is reportedly in talks with Sassuolo, his parent club, over a potential transfer, as they look to add some much-needed depth ahead of the final stretch. Scamacca may only have found the back of the net twice this season in seven appearances but could thrive with better service. Genoa currently boasts the worst attack in Serie A, netting a mere 12 goals on the season. Scamacca can benefit from a change of scenery and is a great fit with Milan’s ongoing youth movement.
At just 21 years old, the young striker has plenty of room for improvement and can learn a lot from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The big Swede’s continued injury problems is another reason Milan are interested in Scammaca, offering him a unique opportunity to jump from the relegation battle and into the Scudetto race.
3) Christian Eriksen (Inter)
The Danish maestro has gotten off to a miserable start since joining Inter and has proven to be an awkward fit for Antonio Conte’s rigid 3-5-2 system. Eriksen’s struggles have meant he has largely featured from the bench, failing to make an impact with his limited minutes. Reduced to a mere super-sub, Eriksen has been a shade of his former self and has not been able to replicate his impressive exploits in the final third.
Many of Europe’s elite have reportedly been keeping tabs on Eriksen’s continued woes, in hopes of securing the former Spurs man in a low-cost operation. Arsenal is the most recent side to be linked with him and is in dire need of a creative outlet in the final third. Conte’s inability to integrate him into his side has essentially sealed his future, one that is far away from Inter.
As the mercato opens, expect a number of clubs to inquire about his availability. After all, Eriksen remains an elite player. The Danish international simply was not a good fit for Inter and will surely reach his former heights at a club that suits his skills better.
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