Calcio mercato: Final run in, so whose next to arrive in Italy?

There is only around 20 days left for this mercato to wrap up this business, and for some clubs, especially the big ones, it seems as if there is still a lot of work to do. Lets take a look at some of the players who have been strongly linked with a move to the land of calcio this summer.

Michel Bastos - Lyon
Bastos impressed at the world cup with his commanding running down the channels and seems likely to leave Lyon this summer. He is reportedly Juventus current major target as they look to complete an impressive defence with Motta, Bonucci, Chielini and Bastos providing the ironwork around Gigi Buffon.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Barcelona
There does not seem to be much space left in the Barca forward line for big Ibra to get a starting place anymore. With David Villa and Messi sure to start the remaining berth is between Pedro, Bojan and Ibra. Reportedly he contacted Silvio Berlusconi begging for a transfer to Milan midweek. His signing would certainly put more bums on seats in the San Siro next year such is his high reputation in Italy.

Javier Mascherano - Liverpool
Another player that wants out of his current club and a returning link up with Rafa Benitez seems likely given that Juventus Christian Poulson is on the verge of joining the Anfield based side. Inter have made a lot of money from their win in Europe last season and this seems likely to be the first major signing they make on the market. Strange though that we are still talking about them making their first major signing when approaching mid August.

Nicolas Burdisso - Inter
Formed a solid partnership at Roma with Juan last season and wants to continue that in the approaching campaign. Seems likely to join Roma but Inter want to sell at the right price and are waiting for Roma to meet it. Unlikely to see much action action at Inter so hopefully the player gets what he wants here.

Edin Dzeko - Wolfsberg
This one seems the most unlikely of the lot, but given the never ending links to Milan and Juve it seems worth commenting on. It seems clear enough that the player wants out and if reports are to be believed he was promised that he would be sold this summer last year. With no European action for the German side it would seem like a good time for the German side to sell. However their asking price seems ludicrous and Del Neri seems to be working on invigorating Trezeguet and Amauri for the coming year.