Prem Bound? Italian midfielder who could be bargain of the summer
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Much of the current transfer talk around Italy’s Euro 2016 stars has centered around goalscorer Graziano Pelle, but the real value could lie in snapping up one of the Southampton man’s midfield providers – Lazio midfielder Marco Parolo.
The powerful Parolo has netted 17 times from central midfield since joining I Biancoceleste in 2014, and has been a regular source of assists – helping the Rome club to a third-placed Serie A finish in his first season at Stadio Olimpico.
Having impressed in qualifying for Euro 2016, Parolo has established himself as a tidy, robust and creative figure in the Azzurri midfield, and one of the first names on Antonio Conte’s teamsheet.
And with the 31-year-old having seen his side eliminated on penalties against Germany – despite scoring his spot-kick – there’s now time for any interested parties to court the former Parma man ahead of the Premier League season.
Chances are there’ll be no shortage of those, especially if Lazio’s valuation of the player’s price tag is in the same ballpark as the £5.53m estimate by Transfermarkt.co.uk.
So, who would the inventive Italian be a perfect fit for?
First off, he could well be the answer to the midfield issues at Stoke City. Right now the Potters only have one natural central midfielder – in the form of Charlie Adam – and the Scotland man is currently struggling with injuries.
Manchester United could well look closely at Parolo, with their current pair of experienced central midfielders Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger having both disappointed last season.
Despite Conte’s trust in the Gallarate native, Chelsea are too strong in the centre of the park to require a new recruit, but Leicester City may look to bring in the steely and skilful Lazio man if N’Golo Kante exits the King Power stadium this summer.
Transfermarkt.co.uk valuation: £5.53m / Potential Prem Clubs: Leicester City, Manchester United, Stoke City
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
