Serie A

Federico Chiesa can leave Fiorentina if an acceptable offer is made for him, according to club owner Rocco Commisso.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Juventus for some time, while Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also reportedly interested in him, per CalcioMercato.

Per Lady Radio (h/t Football Italia), Commisso has now opened the door for Chiesa's exit:

"I have already spoken to his father Enrico. I have come here to Florence seven times since I bought Fiorentina and we've seen each other many times. I have been talking to Enrico and Federico. If he wants to leave, he can go, but only if there is an offer in favour of Fiorentina. I'd like to have players who can become leaders, like [Gaetano] Scirea, [Franco] Baresi, [Paolo] Maldini, [Fulvio] Collovati, [Francesco] Totti or [Giancarlo] Antognini."

Back in June, soon after his purchase of Fiorentina, Commisso said Chiesa would not be sold "even for €100 million (£85 million)."

It seems he has now changed his mind on the winger's value to the side.

Fiorentina have endured a tough opening half of 2019-20. After 18 matches, they are 15th in the Serie A table, just four points clear of the relegation zone:

Chiesa has made 15 appearances in the Italian top flight this term, netting two goals and providing three assists playing across the front line.

The Genoa-born attacker joined the Viola's youth ranks in 2007 and made his senior debut in 2016.

He has been a key part of the first team ever since and also earned his first senior Italy cap in 2018.

Chiesa has yet to prove that he can be a consistent threat at the highest level. His career tally of 17 goals in 112 Serie A appearances is not overly impressive.

He boasts an exciting skill set, though, and the quality of the clubs linked with him shows just how much potential he has.

Fiorentina likely sense an opportunity to make a good amount of money on a player who has long been linked with an exit.   

Arturo Vidal is a key target for Inter Milan in the January transfer window, according to the Serie A leaders' general manager, Giuseppe Marotta. 

The Chilean midfielder has long been linked with the Milan giants, and Marotta has now confirmed he is on the club's radar as they look to strengthen ahead of the second half of 2019-20, per Sam France of Goal:

"Vidal is one of our targets. As for [Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian] Eriksen, the market closes at the end of January. We're working hard, but to improve the quality of our squad, important signings are needed, and it's for this obvious reason that there are difficulties."

Under manager Antonio Conte, Inter have set the pace in Serie A for much of this season.

They are the biggest threat Juventus have faced during their eight-season stranglehold on the Scudetto. The Nerazzurri cannot afford any slip-ups, though, because they are only ahead of the Old Lady on goal difference:

Juve's squad is superb and packed with players who have gone the distance in title races before. Their star man, Cristiano Ronaldo, also looks to be hitting his stride:

Vidal is a proven winner and leader. The 32-year-old has won titles with Barca, Bayern Munich and Juventus, as well as Colo-Colo in his native Chile.

He has fallen down the pecking order at the Camp Nou in 2019-20 because of the signing of Frenkie de Jong and increasing importance of Arthur.

Vidal has started only four of Barca's 19 La Liga games and two out of six in the UEFA Champions League. 

Conte and Inter can likely offer him more opportunities than that. He will only be a short-term signing given he is in the latter stages of his career, however. But if Vidal can help Inter to win a first title since 2010, he would be worth the premium that is often added to signings in January. 

Former Juventus and Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio has cast doubt over AC Milan's decision to re-sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic, saying he would have instead "tried to promote some youth players." 

Ibrahimovic, 38, represented the Rossoneri between 2010 and 2012, scoring 56 goals in 85 appearances for the club before he departed for Paris Saint-Germain.

Marchisio—who spent the 2005-06 campaign as a team-mate of Ibrahimovic with Juve—told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia): "I hope he'll shake them up. The Rossoneri must return to the levels they deserve to be at. In a season with all these problems, however, I would've tried to promote some youth players."

Milan's academy was once considered a gem in Italian football, but the pathway from the youth team to the Rossoneri's first-team squad has been clouded by a heavier focus on transfers in recent times.

Ibrahimovic came off the bench to make his second Milan debut against Sampdoria on Monday when he played the final 35 minutes in a 0-0 stalemate:

The San Siro welcomed the superstar back with a rousing reception when he came on in place of Krzysztof Piatek:

Former Genoa ace Piatek, 24, could suffer most from Ibrahimovic's return, with the club having seemingly lost some faith in the Pole following a return of four goals in 18 league games this term.

Milan hope Ibrahimovic can rejuvenate a team that finished fifth in Serie A last season—their highest finish since 2013—after he spent 18 months with Los Angeles Galaxy.

ESPN reported in December that Ibrahimovic—who earned $7.2 million (£5.5 million) during the 2019 Major League Soccer season—was told to lower his salary demands before rejoining Milan.

The superstar's presence may naturally encourage more positivity at the San Siro:

Rafael Leao, 20, will likely find it more difficult to get minutes under Stefano Pioli following Ibrahimovic's arrival, while 26-year-old Ante Rebic could be demoted further. The Croat has made just one league start since he joined the club from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer on a two-year loan deal.

Marchisio spent 13 years with Juventus and saw a long line of youth talents emerge in Turin during his time at the club. He left for Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg in 2018 but retired a little more than one year later following injury difficulties.

Milan have invested in the tried-and-tested approach by signing Ibrahimovic for a second time in his career, and he'll look to resume his Italian goal count when the Rossoneri visit Cagliari on Saturday.

AS Roma striker Edin Dzeko has said he doesn't think about what might have been at high-flying Inter Milan after he turned down the chance to join the Nerazzurri last summer.

Dzeko, 33, was closely linked with Inter for most of the summer transfer window but failed to join Antonio Conte's revolution, instead extending his contract with the Giallorossi until 2022 last August.

He told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia): "I don't think about it. They are playing very well and they are first together with Juventus, it will be a race to the end and that's good for the league."

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international continues to impress in his own realm, with 10 goals and six assists to his name in 23 appearances this season.

Dzeko's last contribution of 2019, and indeed the decade, was a crucial goal and two assists when Roma beat Fiorentina 4-1 away from home in December:

Conte & Co. sit at the top of Serie A, level on points with defending champions Juventus and with a gleaming opportunity to break Juve's eight-year grip on the Scudetto. One would forgive Dzeko for feeling somewhat jealous of that fact, with Roma currently fourth in the table and 10 points from the summit.

Corriere dello Sport (h/t Calciomercato.com) reported in July that the two clubs were negotiating Dzeko's transfer, though Mauro Icardi's uncertain future complicated matters.

Former Inter captain Icardi eventually left for Paris Saint-Germain on loan while Inter signed Romelu Lukaku from Manchester United in August for a club-record €80 million.

The Belgium ace has gone on to become a Serie A hit, and Lazio striker Ciro Immobile (18) is the only player in Italy's top flight to have scored more than his 14 goals this season, via Premier Sports:

Inter are likely glad they took the risk on Lukaku rather investing in the much more experienced Dzeko, who moved to the Stadio Olimpico from Manchester City in 2015, initially on loan.

He's since made 202 appearances for the Wolves—13 more than he made for City—and recently earned plaudits from commentator Adam Summerton:

Dzeko came up blank when Roma fell 2-0 at home to Torino in Week 18 in one of their worst results this term, but he'll hope to lift their prospects when they host champions Juventus on Sunday.

Inter Milan are reportedly in transfer talks with Manchester United over a January move for captain Ashley Young, according to Sky in Italy:

Antonio Conte's side are willing to offer the versatile 34-year-old an 18-month contract at the club, per the report (h/t Sky Sports News).

Young joined Manchester United from Aston Villa in 2011. His contract expires in the summer, and he does not expect to be offered a new deal, according to Rob Dawson at ESPN FC.

The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano said Young is ready to accept Inter's offer and is wanted by the manager:

Inter Milan have asked for Ashley Young. Talks ongoing with Man United - the player is ready to accept. Antonio Conte wants him strongly.  #MUFC #ManUnited #transfers

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2020

Manchester United and Inter Milan appear to have a good working relationship. The Red Devils sold Romelu Lukaku to the Nerazzurri and allowed Alexis Sanchez to move to the San Siro on a season-long loan last summer.

The Red Devils are also likely to be willing to wave goodbye to Young. The 34-year-old can play on either flank at full-back or further forward, but he has been criticised for some poor performances in recent seasons.

Young was even booed by his own supporters in a 1-0 win over Inter in Singapore during the club's pre-season tour, per Simon Peach at The Independent.

United already have younger options at full-back. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was signed from Crystal Palace in June 2019 and has emerged as the club's first-choice right-back, with Diogo Dalot available as back-up.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Brandon Williams is enjoying a breakthrough season at left-back and looks set to rival Luke Shaw for a starting spot:

Since Young is entering the final months of his current contract, he is free to talk to other clubs. He caught Conte's eye during his time in charge of Chelsea, according to Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News:

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave little away when asked about Young's future after the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday:

Young would not be the first Manchester United defender to move to Italy this season if he were to join Inter. Chris Smalling went on loan to Roma in August and has shone with the Giallorossi, which may help convince Young to make the switch to Serie A.

Lautaro Martinez has said he's "happy at Inter" amid recent speculation linking him with a possible move to Barcelona. 

The Argentina international has reportedly caught the eye of the Catalan club, and it was suggested in December that the player's agent held talks with Blaugrana officials when Inter met the La Liga side in the UEFA Champions League.

Speaking after Inter's impressive 3-1 win over Napoli on Monday, Martinez said he's content with life in Milan at the moment, per Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia).

"I am doing my best at Inter. I only focus on giving my all on the pitch," said the 22-year-old. "I am happy at Inter. I try to work hard and stay focused. That's my goal with this club."

It was reported recently that Inter are seeking to tie Martinez down to a new deal, as he has a release clause in his current contract of €111 million (£94 million).

If the forward continues to perform to the same level, it wouldn't be a surprise to see a high-profile side meet that amount in an upcoming transfer window. Martinez was on the scoresheet in the win at the San Paolo, as Inter continued to keep pace with Juventus at the top of Serie A:

This season, Martinez and Romelu Lukaku have linked up to great effect for the Nerazzurri:

The striker was frequently used as a back-up option last season, although this term he's been able to establish himself as a regular in Antonio Conte's side.

He's showcased his goalscoring potency, netting nine goals in Serie A already this season. However, there is so much more to the youngster's game; he's adept at dropping into space, running the channels and giving Inter creativity in the opposition third.

Spanish football writer Andy West was impressed with the forward's recent performance in Inter's loss to Barcelona, suggesting he'd be an ideal replacement for the club's current No. 9, Luis Suarez:

According to Transfermarkt, at the moment Martinez is the most valuable player in Serie A:

Given Suarez is 32, Barcelona will surely be looking for a long-term Suarez replacement, and Martinez has all the tools to play for a club of that status in the future.

However, at this point it's understandable that the forward is in no rush to move on. Under the guidance of Conte, he's taken his game on to a different level and is spearheading a charge for the Serie A title. It means Barcelona will need to part with a huge sum if they're to prise him away from the San Siro eventually.

Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot has said he does not want to leave the club in January amid continued speculation regarding a transfer. 

Rabiot joined Juventus on a free transfer in the summer, having fallen out of favour at Paris Saint-Germain after refusing to sign a contract extension.

Since his switch to the Italian champions, the playmaker has struggled to cement his place in Maurizio Sarri's first team. Rabiot has only made six starts in Serie A and is yet to register a goal or assist for his new club.

However, the Frenchman is adamant that he wants to fight for his place in Turin, per James Westwood of Goal:

"Yes, I will stay with Juventus for sure. There is no problem. I feel the confidence of the club and of coach Sarri. 2019 was not easy for me, I came to Juve after a long time without playing. 

"I'm looking to adapt to a new league, a new environment and a new coach. I hope 2020 will be better for me and be able to help Juventus by exploiting my full potential."

Per Westwood, Manchester United have previously been linked with a move for the midfielder. According to Tuttosport (h/t Sport Witness), Everton also hold an interest in Rabiot and are willing to part with €30 million (£25.5 million) to sign him in January.

However, it would appear as though Rabiot isn't ready to give up on his Juventus career quite yet. There have been some positive signs for Rabiot in recent weeks:

Competition in the Juventus midfield is fierce at the moment, with Rabiot one of a number of high-class options available to Sarri.

Aaron Ramsey also arrived at the Bianconeri in the summer on a free transfer, joining other central midfielders Blaise Matuidi, Miralem Pjanic, Rodrigo Bentancur, Sami Khedira and Emre Can.

At his best, Rabiot is capable of adding something different to the midfield. Not only is he left-sided and subsequently provides natural balance, the former PSG man carries the ball with elegance and is smart with his utilisation of possession.

He also has a lot of experience for someone who is still at a relatively early point in their career:

The worry for Rabiot is that 2019 was almost a write-off, as he didn't play for PSG in the second half of 2018-19 and has only made sporadic appearances for Juventus.

If he is to reach the heights so many thought he would as a youngster in Paris, then it's imperative he finds a way to get on the field with regularity. At the moment, there is no guarantee he will get that with the Bianconeri.

Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri has said Cristiano Ronaldo's injury problems are now fully behind him, after the forward netted a hat-trick in Monday's 4-0 win over Cagliari. 

There have been spells this season where the Portuguese has been a little below his best. However, following the winter break, Ronaldo was back to his razor-sharp self, finding the net three times in Turin.

Speaking after the game, Sarri said he's delighted that the 34-year-old is back in peak condition once again, per AS.

"Ronaldo doesn't have problems with his knee anymore and now he is enjoying his great physical and mental condition," said the Bianconeri boss. "Finally I can see him really happy because his knee is fine now. He can play at his best now."

Ronaldo rounded off his hat-trick on what was an excellent day for the Italian champions:

The treble against Cagliari was Ronaldo's first in Serie A:

There have been times this season where the Portugal international has looked frustrated, most notably when he was substituted by Sarri in the clash with AC Milan after just 55 minutes.

After that match, the Juventus manager said the forward's condition, not his performance, was the reason he was withdrawn from the action.

There were signs before the winter break that Ronaldo was beginning to hit his stride though, starting December by netting in five consecutive games for the Bianconeri. The match against Cagliari was the biggest indicator yet that the former Real Madrid man still has his incredibly ruthless edge in front of goal.

The forward is beginning to build momentum in the Italian top flight:

Broadcaster Mina Rzouki praised Ronaldo and the other Juventus attackers for their performances this season:

Throughout his career, Ronaldo has typically come alive in the second half of campaigns, excelling in the biggest contests.

Juventus will hope that the Portugal star can retain that edge in crunch clashes, as they are poised to be involved in plenty of them between now and the end of the season. The Bianconeri are level on points with Inter Milan at the summit of Serie A and will face Lyon in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

Ronaldo has won the latter competition an incredible five times and is the top goalscorer in Champions League history. Although Juventus will also be desperate to beat Inter to domestic glory, their primary ambition this season will be European success, hopes that will be enhanced by the form of their star forward.

Juventus director Fabio Paratici has confirmed that Emre Can won't be allowed to leave the club in January, amid rumours linking him with Manchester United. 

The German is reportedly a person of interest at Old Trafford:

However, Paratici told Sky Sport Italia (h/t ESPN): "He is staying with us. He is one of the most coveted midfielders. He has some opportunities and so do we, but I think he can be an important player for our project."

Can arrived at Juventus on a free transfer from Liverpool in 2018.

He made 37 appearances in his first campaign at the club, despite missing eight games after requiring surgery to remove a thyroid nodule.

Things have not gone his way this season, though. The 25-year-old was left out of Juve's 22-man UEFA Champions League squad by manager Maurizio Sarri, and he has played just 279 minutes across eight appearances in Serie A, an average of 35 minutes per outing.

He's struggled to impress when he has played:

Bleacher Report's Dean Jones questioned United's interest in Can:

However, while he's had a difficult time of late, Can developed significantly during his final years at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp and was a strong midfield option for them prior to his departure.

He'sversatile and combines physicality with technical ability. He brings energy and ball-winning intent to the engine room, and he also looks to get it forward when the team are in possession.

Can would hardly be the answer to all of United's problems, but after they let Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera both leave in 2019 without replacing either, a midfielder of Can's capabilities and potential would be a fine asset to the squad.

If Juve intend to keep him they need to start making use of him more regularly—which should also help him rediscover some form—or there's little point in keeping him around.

Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri has backed Matthijs de Ligt to reach the top of the game despite a mixed start to his Bianconeri career. 

De Ligt moved to Turin from Ajax last summer in a €75 million deal.

Sarri told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Goal's Sam France): "I am the first to be convinced that he will become the best defender in the world. He had five difficult months playing every three days and having to settle in a new country, a new league with a new language."

De Ligt was thrown in at the deep end at Juventus when Giorgio Chiellini ruptured his cruciate ligament one match into the season.

The 20-year-old took time to settle into the side after being thrust into a starting role quicker than expected, but his form improved as the months went on.

The Dutchman's biggest strength is perhaps his technical ability, which he uses to carry the ball out from the back and pick out his team-mates with some impressive passing.

He has shown his capabilities as a defender, too, such as in Juve's 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League:

De Ligt hasn't featured much of late, though. The youngster sat out their final Champions League group match on December 11 with a shoulder problem.

Four days later he made a late cameo off the bench as Juventus beat Udinese 3-1, but he has been an unused substitute in their last three matches in all competitions.

The form of his replacement, Merih Demiral, has been too good for Sarri to take him out of the team:

The competition for game time in Chiellini's absence could do both players some good, as will the experience they garner on the pitch.

The Italian will be 36 in August, and there's no telling at this stage whether he'll be able to return from such a serious injury at the level he was at before.

Leonardo Bonucci will be 33 in May. While defenders can often enjoy greater longevity at the top level in Serie A, his advancing years should also lead to more opportunities for both De Ligt and Demiral.