The January transfer window always has its fair share of ups & downs, some of which are expected, others of which remain completely unforeseen. Whilst it may prove to be a spanner in the works for some managers throughout Europe, fans across the continent can at least cling to the slim hope that their club will manage to sign at least one new hero this winter.
Although the current popularity of Italian football is nowhere near as widespread as it used to be, Serie A still houses some of Europe’s most promising players and exciting young talents.
With the transfer window soon upon us, just which clubs have been lingering around the Italian league, and which Serie A stars will potentially seal that big-money move this January?
Mattia Destro
Whilst he has only scored a mere four league goals this campaign, Mattia Destro’s performances have played a huge role in making sure Roma maintain their lofty second place spot behind leaders Juventus in Serie A. When we remember that Destro is only 23, his future in European football certainly looks promising.
The Roma no.22 is a strong centre-forward who is just as good with his feet as he is at leading the attacking line for his side. Destro would particularly suit the Premier League, as not many fellow Italian forwards have done so in the past, but his overall pace may prove his undoing. With that aside however, the big man is capable of scoring with both feet, whilst also being able to contribute with great link-up play.
Since moving to Roma in 2012, Mattia Destro has gained several fans among the Premier League’s front-runners, one of which being Arsenal. The Italian striker has already claimed that he is ‘delighted’ to be linked with the Gunners earlier in 2014, but with the availability of other great forwards on the continent, this move is far from set in stone.
Mateo Kovacic
Despite being only 20-years-old, Mateo Kovacic is an experienced Croatian international who has become one of the most sought after young players in European football. Inter’s no. 10 is a central midfielder, with equal qualities in both attack and defence.
Alongside Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic makes up a Croatian trio that are soon expected to take the world by storm. The 20-year-old Inter man has so far seen his stock rise in Serie A, after a series a dominatingly technical performances from the young man. It has often been stated that Kovacic has everything in his locker, and only hard work now awaits the Croat in his attempt to transform from a raw gem into the finished article.
Mateo Kovacic’s progress has therefore not gone unnoticed by Europe’s big boys, particularly those in the Premier League. Everyone from Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City have apparently expressed an interest in signing Kovacic in recent weeks, so his eventual destination is ultimately anyone’s guess at this current stage.
Kevin Strootman
Although he missed the 2014 World Cup due to an unfortunate long-term knee problem, Kevin Strootman remains a solid Serie A favourite who could well be on his way this January. He may have only returned to action just this month, but that won’t stop big European sides keeping a close eye on the gifted Dutchman across the next month.
Despite all the sensation currently surrounding Strootman, the Roma board have been quick to dispel any talk of his move away from the Italian capital; ‘Kevin is a young player with experience, and we want to build our future with players like him.’
Strootman’s composure on the ball, underrated eye for goal, and ability to pick out a sweet pass have nevertheless made him hot property with Manchester United in particular keen on tying down the strong midfielder.
The 24-year-old is apparently on Louis van Gaal’s radar after the Dutch boss didn’t have him at his disposal during the World Cup. With Daley Blind already signing for the United in the summer though, perhaps another Dutch centre-midfielder arriving at Old Trafford may be a bridge too far for van Gaal this season.
Mauro Icardi
After becoming simply too good to ignore during his previous spells in Serie A, Mauro Icardi is fast becoming a revelation at Inter for his direct style of play and aggressive nature in front of goal. The young Argentinean is joint second in Italian goal scoring charts, with an impressive eight finishes notched already this campaign.
After his rapid start to life in Serie A, it is easy to forget that Mauro Icardi is only 21-years-old. The South American born forward, who previously won fans over at Sampdoria earlier in his career, may have had his fair share of problems off the pitch, but his style on it is well and truly suited to the Italian game at the moment.
Such news will likely excite fans of Chelsea, who have become the latest side to be linked with Icardi. The young striker could certainly give Mourinho that added bit of firepower up-front, but with so many strikers already at the Chelsea boss’ disposal, a move to Spurs, who have also expressed a recent interest, would seem a lot more likely to pull off for all parties involved.
Paulo Dybala
Another exciting 21-year-old striker to appear on this list comes in the form of Paulo Dybala. He may not be the most renowned name in the whole of Serie A, but at this current moment, he is certainly one of the most promising.
Palermo’s new Argentinean hot-shot has propelled his side up into the top half of the table, scoring eight impressive league goals in the process. For all his exploits this season, Dybala has seen many in the game compare his style with that of Sergio Aguero – both players are quick across the ground and cans seemingly finish off opportunities from pretty much out of nowhere.
Holding onto their latest talent will therefore not be an easy task for Palermo. The historic Italian side have apparently faced a great deal of interest from Arsenal, who have reportedly reached advanced negotiations with Dybala, but now PSG are seemingly in the picture as well. Wherever the 21-year-old ends up, we certainly won’t be forgetting the name ‘Paulo Dybala’ anytime soon.