Strikers' turnover: Lamela to Atletico, Forlan and Aguero to Italy?
Erik Manuel Lamela. Let's take note of this name because his arrival in Europe could trigger a number of transfers. Calciomercato.com exclusively gathered rumors form Argentina, Spain and Italy to explain this.
WHO IS LAMELA
Born on the 4th of March 1992, is already a first liner of River Plate. With his top class skills, his game and his precise and powerful strike, he's been compared to Kaka. In Argentina they are convinced he is stronger than Pastore. “He's a great player, a pure talent. - Said Lucas Fabian, an Argentine journalist of Radio Cooperativa - Despite his young age, he's ready for Europe. A transfer to Europe this summer would be a logical consequence of what would certainly be a fantastic career. With his technical and physical qualities he would be perfect for the Liga as well as Serie A”, added Fabìan.
WHO WANTS HIM
Lamela is followed by all the top European clubs. He's valued at around 25-30 million euro. His manager and father, has mentioned that the player has a Spanish passport which makes him even more attractive for the international market.
THE SITUATION
At the moment Atletico di Madrid has the advantage. The Spanish club are tired of seeing Real Madrid always leading in the Capital and dream of the great coup to finally win the derby against Josè Mourinho's team. Their last victory was in the 1999/2000 season, too long even for the most patient fans. Enrique Cerezo, president of the club, has decided to focus on the new Argentine talen, contacts have already been made and so Lamela seems to be heading to Madrid, Atletico's side.
THE STRIKERS' TURNOVER
Atletico Madrid could therefore beat the top European clubs, among whom there is also Inter and AC Milan. But his acquisition requires a huge amount of money, a heavy investment, which would have to be covered to avoid heavy debts. In these days Aguero shoud be renewing his contract with Atletico, obtaining a large salary, but Cerezo's comment “in the end players go where they want", is not making the fans feel relaxed. In the end, if Lamela arrives, Kun Aguero would not be viewed as non-transferable and the club would focus everything on Lamela. In order to replenish the coffers they would sell their no.10. With an important offer, Maradona's son in law would pack his suitcase and go to Italy, more likely to Inter in case the negotiation for Carlitos Tevez would fail, or to Juventus. They are all in love with Aguero in Turin and his acquisition would make the fans dream. With the arrival of Lamela to Atletico Madrid, another South American attacker would leave the team coached by Quique Sanchez Flores: Diego Forlan. They Uruguayan striker doesn't have a good relationship with the coach and he's struggling to score goals at the moment. Last year, after the Super Cup and an extraordinary World Cup, Inter made enquiries on the player from Montevideo, but his price at the time was too high and so nothing was done. After 12 months a lot has changed, therefore his transfer to Italy could be possible. It would be a good buisiness for everybody, Atletico and Inter, or any other Italian team looking for a striker. Also Manchester United are interested in him. Ferguson is convinced of his strenght and he's prepared to invest in him. Obviously, if either Forlan, Aguero or Lamela should join Inter or Juventus, some of the current attackers of these clubs would have to leave. But this is another story.