Calcio Mercato Roundup: Eto imminent

Palacio arrives
Genoa have completed the signing of Boca Junior's and Argentine International Rodrigo Palacio. The highly rated forward joins Genoa on a four year deal with the intent on breaking into the Argentina squad for the world cup next year. This really is a marque signing for Genoa, who already have added Sergio Floccari, Hernan Crespo and Houssine Kharja to the attack this summer following the departure of Argentine forward Diego Milito to Inter Milan. They are also joined by former Valencia wing back Emiliano Moretti and are said to be tracking promising Spanish midfielder Alberto Zapater from Real Zaragoza. Genoa do look very strong next season and much like Napoli have almost transformed their sides over this summers mercato. Fifth last season, Genoa will be looking to do even better, although the only problem is that the team may take time to gel.

Napoli tie up Morgan De Sanctis
Napoli, as mentioned above, have also been very active this summer. With Siena's wing back Zuinga and Udinese forward Quagliarella signed, as well as playmaker Cigarini from Atalanta, Napoli have further added Italy number three Morgan De Sanctis to their ranks. Perhaps now their final concern for the market will be a classic centre forwarld, Julio Cruz has been mooted for this role.

How Genoa and Napoli may line up next season
Genoa: Rubinho: Moretti, Bocchetti, Biava, Criscito: Jankovic, Kharja, Mesto: Palladino, Floccari/Crespo, Palacio.

Napoli: De Sanctis: Maggio, Santecroce, Cannavaro, Zuinga: Blasi, Cigarini, Hamsik: Quagliarella, Denis, Lavezzi.

Both teams are much improved from last season, and should be able to challenge for a top six place. Can Genoa go better than their fifth place last year, time will tell but top six a European competition again should not be seen as a dissapointment. Indeed, Genoa look very strong and I expect them to have a great run in the Europa League, Quarter finals at least. As Napoli have no European commitments they should do well in Serie A though they may be pushed to challenge Fiorentina, Roma and Lazio who will also be looking towards the top six and higher perhaps.

Other Mercato News

Ibra / Eto'o
The swap deal of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Eto'o, Hleb and 48 million Euros to Inter looks set to go through within the coming days. Inter coach Jose Mourinho has welcomed the deal as he argues it gives greater balance to his side, and may use the money to purchase Antonio Cassano. This deal is highly likely also if Inter want it, as the recission clause for Cassano is 18 million euros and considering Sampdoria want Amantino Mancini the bait is their for them to seal the deal. However, the money could be used for an ambitious bid for Franck Ribery. The path is arguably clear for Inter to look at the Frenchman now as Madrid look towards Alonso and Fabregas and Chelsea continue their search for a hitman upfront. Indeed this would transform Inter into a different side, one with goal threats from Balotelli, Milito, Eto'o, Ribery, Stankovic and Hleb. Although at this point this is pure speculation it is clear that Inter need a player in the mould of Cassano or Ribery, someone to dictate the play. Juve have theirs in Diego, Milan in a rejuvenated Ronaldinho, who has looked very good in preseason, and if Inter fail to sort this out they could be in for a nasty suprise in Serie A.

Bologna in the money
Bologna fans also may seen an up turn in quality at the stadio Renato Dall'Ara. Instead of perhaps the expected battle of relagation that the fans anticipated this season, the Rossoblu can't expect some quality signings this summer because they have been taken over by Albanese Millionaire businessman Rezart Taci. This is great news for Bologna and for Serie A as they are a club with superb history and fully deserve to be a member of this great division. Already, Antonio Di Natale has been pin pointed as a target.

Viola look to Eboue and Luisao
Following the sale of Felipe Melo last week to Juve, Fiorentina look to invest some of the cash from that deal into their back line by tying up deals for Arsenal right back Eboue and Benfica centre back Luisao. This would be great news for Viola fans as the defence has often been suspect against the better sides in recent years. With Eboue, Gamberini, Luisao and Vargas infront of Frey maybe a Scudetto challenge is not unrealistic at all especially with Mutu, Jovetic and Gilardino up front.

Image: Jake Brown