Calcio Mercato: Milan close in on Huntelaar

Goal.com Italia has reported that AC Milan are inches away from securing their first big signing of the summer in Klass Jan Huntelaar. The huge Dutch talent did well at Madrid, but has found himself surplus to requirements following the arrival of Kaka, Ronaldo and Benzema. This would be a great start to Milan's slow mercato. However, reports are also suggesting Milan are closing in on Luis Fabiano. Could they really be close to both? They do need strength in depth up front with only Boriello, Pato and Inzaghi top options, but its likely that only one will arrive and Huntelaar is the cheaper, younger and arguably better option for them.

There has been little development in the proposed sale of Andrea Pirlo to Chelsea, but either way things are likely to be settled by the end of the week one would think.

Di Natale to Parma?
Reports are suggesting that Parma are looking to purchase Udinese forward Antonio Di Natale. Christian Panucci and Valerie Bojinov have already arrived at the Emilia Romagna outfit but Parma are looking too establish themselves firmly in the division next season. Di Natale is a proven goal scorer and creator and would suit Parma's great tradition of top strikers. For Udinese, arguably its a good time for them to sell. A club that is great at developing and finding new talents, Udinese have Simone Pepe, Antonio Floro Flores, Bernado Corradi and Alex Sanchez at the club and it may be the right time to cash in on the Italian International. Still, the flip side of the coin suggests that its about time Udinese stopped selling their best players and looked towards European qualification and ultimately challenging for silverware. Whatever happens, its great to see Parma back in Serie A. Hopefully, they will be here to stay.


Bologna: Ready to spend some of their new money
Another club from Emilia Romagna, Bologna, have been linked to out of favour striker Javier Chevanton according to football-italia.com. Following their takeover Bologna have money to spend and they need a striker who can partner Marco Di Vaio up front. The former Valencia and Juvetus forwards cannot do it all by himself for Bologna, so Chevanton could be the perfect buy. The Sevilla forward is out of favour at the Sanchez Pizjuan and the club are apparently willing to sell. Could this be the beginning of something special for Bologna?


Aquilani off to Liverpool?
Reports have intensified that Liverpool are closing in on Alberto Aquilani. Despite his injury problems for Roma I believe that this would be a blow to them. Whilst they still possess Daniele De Rossi, arguably one of the best midfielders in world football, David Pizzaro, Rodrigo Taddei, Matteo Brighi and Simone Perotta it would be considered a loss to loose Aquilani. However, any funds that are secured through this deal are likely to be invested back into the team and the striker position.


Italian Super Cup: Inter Milan v Lazio, Saturday 8th August
The Italian football season begins on Saturday when Inter Milan take on Lazio in Beijing, a came that pits the League Champions Inter against the Coppa Italia winners Lazio. Both squads have new faces. Inter with Milito, Eto'o, Motta and Lucio and Lazio with Julio Cruz and Portuguese International Eliseu. It will be interesting to see how these new signings do in their first official games for their new clubs. However, new faces are likely to arrive for both clubs before the end of the transfer window, especially at Inter. The game takes place in the Birds nest Olympic stadium in China and will kick off 13.oo UK time. Check back for a full preview later in the week.