Verratti or Alcantara are my absolute dream buys. They have been for a number of years now. But they are also impossible for us to get, especially during a January window. I wouldn't be surprised if Leonardo is laying the groundwork for a summer move on Verratti though. Still, I think he's out of our range.
I think Paredes is the most likely option. And quite honestly, the best option from what's currently available and attainable for us.
I've discussed Diawara before and I love the way he plays, but we'll see if Napoli is willing to let him go. Maybe the relationship we have with Ancelotti can play a little part.
Denis Suarez is another viable option it seems. He can probably be had on some sort of loan deal. Not too crazy about this option though.
It also seems that Rafinha will be made available by Barcelona again this winter. I would not mind taking a crack at him.
Then there are Tonalli and Barella. We don't know what we'll get with Tonali but it seems half of Europe is after him. Barella on the other hand is so talented, but that price tag of 50mil is too steep for us at the moment I think.
So point being here is that there are plenty of options out there this winter. These are all good players and most of them won't cost a ton of money with some of them maybe even possible for a loan. With Bonaventura and Biglia out for most of the season (in Bonaventura's case the entire season), we need a couple additions in the middle. Yes, we've tied up Paqueta, but I am not convinced that he will contribute immediately. That kind of pressure can ruin a player and his confidence and I really don't want a Gabriel Barbosa case on our hands. We need to be careful and let the kid develop and grow into the team and league slowly.
I think Paredes is the most likely option. And quite honestly, the best option from what's currently available and attainable for us.
I've discussed Diawara before and I love the way he plays, but we'll see if Napoli is willing to let him go. Maybe the relationship we have with Ancelotti can play a little part.
Denis Suarez is another viable option it seems. He can probably be had on some sort of loan deal. Not too crazy about this option though.
It also seems that Rafinha will be made available by Barcelona again this winter. I would not mind taking a crack at him.
Then there are Tonalli and Barella. We don't know what we'll get with Tonali but it seems half of Europe is after him. Barella on the other hand is so talented, but that price tag of 50mil is too steep for us at the moment I think.
So point being here is that there are plenty of options out there this winter. These are all good players and most of them won't cost a ton of money with some of them maybe even possible for a loan. With Bonaventura and Biglia out for most of the season (in Bonaventura's case the entire season), we need a couple additions in the middle. Yes, we've tied up Paqueta, but I am not convinced that he will contribute immediately. That kind of pressure can ruin a player and his confidence and I really don't want a Gabriel Barbosa case on our hands. We need to be careful and let the kid develop and grow into the team and league slowly.