Summer Mercato

Originally Posted by Jim_UK

Vargas' price has risen dramatically to a minimum of £7 million, even if we were linked with 1 of the hottest defensive prospects in the league, i don't see us paying that much for him. Which is a shame as he'd be a better left-back than any of our current choices.

I'll still hold on to my dream of a Vargas-Zapata-Nesta-Zambrotta back line for next season though

I know you don't want to hear this Jim, but the pound is going down and £7 is now equal to only 9 million euros
That's not too much. Actually it's less than what you payed for Oddo (7.75m eur+Foggia). If you include a player in the deal it will be ok price at the end.

But i also don't see you buying him unless Ancelotti leaves Milan. If Milan buy's Zambrotta which is more or less certainity, i doubt Ancelotti will decide to replace both full-backs.

Tony I don't really watch Juventus that often, could you tell me whats the deal with Palladino?

Good player? I know we tried signing him a few times but he turned us down.

Originally Posted by Ghost

Tony I don't really watch Juventus that often, could you tell me whats the deal with Palladino?

Good player? I know we tried signing him a few times but he turned us down.

He's played out of position all the time. He's a striker that is being played as a left winger or right winger.
Ranieri had too many problems with the injuries of Camoranesi and Marchionni and since the attackers were scoring goals like crazy Palladino's only chance to play was to cover the wings.

He had some great matches (that's why Donadoni keeps calling him for the NT) but some very disappointing ones. Donadoni rates him much higher than Ranieri does. Against Portugal last Wednesday Palladino was even in the starting line-up for the Italian national team.

The only thing that's clear is that he's among the 3 most technical players in serie A. Great dribbler and huge potential.
As for the rest i can't tell you much because he didn't play a single match in his original position (support striker).
Last year he's been playing amazing in serie B, but with Ranieri's arival he's doing much worse.


This story may be similar to Henry's story. Henry was another one who was playing as a winger in Juve and became huge in Arsenal.

Originally Posted by Aficio

Milan veteran Marcos Cafu has played down suggestions that he will be retiring at the end of the season.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...ia/feb11o.html

Shocked

Oh my god, it would be the best for him and for us to retire as fast as he can.

thanks Tony there is a lot of talk about him over here and with Gilberto leaving at the end of the season I think he'll most likely go to juventus. I've read in a lot of articles that Wenger is a keen admirer of Palladino and tried singing him many times but was unsuccessful, hopefully this time he can accept the offer.

I think there is a chance that you might end up getting Flamini too.

You're right Tony, we won't replace both full-backs, even though there's enough of an argument to say that we should.

Now we're being linked to Ferarri, someone who's not good enough to get into Roma's team, so why we should want him is beyond me. He was good once, but that time has gone and we don't need yet another player who needs to rediscover his form.

Originally Posted by Jim_UK

You're right Tony, we won't replace both full-backs, even though there's enough of an argument to say that we should.

Now we're being linked to Ferarri, someone who's not good enough to get into Roma's team, so why we should want him is beyond me. He was good once, but that time has gone and we don't need yet another player who needs to rediscover his form.

Come to think of it, Maldini, serginho, cafu are going to be gone. Simic is always talking about leaving. I am sure we can do with more options in defence. I expect to see at least 3-4 defenders/full backs. We should get 2 full-back, 2 CB to be safe. I don't mind seeing Ferrari replace Simic if he can keep his mouth shut.

Originally Posted by rt9

Drogba? Great, powerful player, but what an irony. If 2 years ago someone asked you to swap Drogba with Shevchenko, we Milan fans would be laughing, or at the very least suggest Drogba plus 50M or something...and now who knows? It might actually happen. But if he does come, he'd take over the first striker role quite comfortably with Gila and Pippo rotating, the we'd have Pato and R99 for the second striker role. BUt I guess that would be goodbye to Ronaldinho, and it would be interesting what tantrums Seedorf will throw if he needs to play out of position or sit on the bench.

If Drogba comes, Gilardino or Ronaldo would go.

Originally Posted by Giovanni

If Drogba comes, Gilardino or Ronaldo would go.

I know that Ronaldo used to be the best player in the world, but at the moment he is more of a liability for the team. He cannot be counted on, his form is unpredictable. The chance of him helping out in the big games is slim.
Drogba for Ronaldo? Sure! Why not?

Originally Posted by Ghost

thanks Tony there is a lot of talk about him over here and with Gilberto leaving at the end of the season I think he'll most likely go to juventus. I've read in a lot of articles that Wenger is a keen admirer of Palladino and tried singing him many times but was unsuccessful, hopefully this time he can accept the offer.

I think there is a chance that you might end up getting Flamini too.

After Sissoko's arival i'm ready to bet my right hand that Gilberto Silva will not join Juventus. Zanetti is Juve's most consistent player this year and most highly rated, Sissoko and Nocerino are very young but solid enough. No place for another DM in the team, especially not someone who'll be getting high wages.

Palladino will indeed be a good choice for Arsenal but his transfer will depend on many things and his potential participation at the EURO and his performances there will be a big factor in Juve's decission to sell or not to sell. His performances in serie A till the end of the season will also play a big role in Juve's decission.
And finally, it will depend on wether Ranieri will stay at Juve's bench or someone else will replace him.

Oh, and lets not forget the offer Arsenal will make. The kid won't be cheap at all

Project 2010: the new AC Milan

12.02.2008, 08:30

AC Milan are thinking about the future and preparing a project for 2010. Here is the possible list of players for that year: Lloris (Diego Alves); Bonera (Marzoratti), Nesta (Darmian), Kaladze (Albertazzi), Zambrotta (Antonelli), Gattuso (Ambrosini), Pirlo (Sammarco), Seedorf (Gourcuff); Kakà (Di Gennaro); Pato (Borriello), Paloschi (wells).

For next season, the decision on Ronaldo's renewal will affect other choices.
In addition to Drogba and Benzema, the “Rossoneri” are thinking of Borriello and Pozzi.
Gilardino, if he wants, could leave next season.
(Gazzetta dello Sport)

Originally Posted by thomas_h

Gattuso (Ambrosini)

this made me LOL
young prospect Ambrosini to take over our midfield beast Gattuso

Originally Posted by thomas_h

Project 2010: the new AC Milan

12.02.2008, 08:30

AC Milan are thinking about the future and preparing a project for 2010. Here is the possible list of players for that year: Lloris (Diego Alves); Bonera (Marzoratti), Nesta (Darmian), Kaladze (Albertazzi), Zambrotta (Antonelli), Gattuso (Ambrosini), Pirlo (Sammarco), Seedorf (Gourcuff); Kakà (Di Gennaro); Pato (Borriello), Paloschi (wells).

For next season, the decision on Ronaldo's renewal will affect other choices.
In addition to Drogba and Benzema, the “Rossoneri” are thinking of Borriello and Pozzi.
Gilardino, if he wants, could leave next season.
(Gazzetta dello Sport)

What part of that team is new? It's virtually the same starting lineup they have right now with a couple of players from their youth squad as backups. If that is the actual plan (which I have to say it suits the management's style), we will be lucky if we get in UEFA cup every year by 2010. And can somebody tell me who Wells is? Never heard of him before.

The idea calling back Borriello is a good one. I've just seached some video of him at Youtube, and I cant believe that's him: can shoot with both feet, left foot particular strong, powerful header, cool penalty taker (the penalties were gained by him), caused trouble for even Zapata and Barzagli.

I think he is ready to come back. His form and the Azzura call could give him the confidence. He came from Milanello and his love for AC Milan is questionless.

"Wells" is Pozzi. It's just how it translates. That team wouldn't be good enough. Bonera doesn't attack well, and I don't think Paloschi & Pato would be a 1st choice attack. We'd need to add some more WC players. Most of the subs would be ok though IMO.