Serie A Transfer News: Alexis Sanchez, Wesley Sneijder and Alexander Doni

Napoli Shoot the Moon, Make Offer for Sanchez

As we spoke about earlier this week, Udinese’s Alexis Sanchez is one of the most sought after transfer targets by Europe’s top clubs, being linked with high-priced moves to the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona. But now we find the Chilean wonderkid has a new suitor, Napoli. According to Udinese’s owner Giampaolo Pozzo, Napoli have tabled an offer for Sanchez.

Now I will admit the chances of City or Barca being outbid by Napoli are small, but I can’t help being impressed by Napoli for throwing their hat in the ring. And besides, imagine how exciting Napoli would be with an attack featuring Edinson Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamsik and Alexis Sanchez!

Sneijder to Manchester United...maybe not?

The gossip columns are buzzing today with the story that Wesley Sneijder will be sold to Manchester United, but this rumor seems to be more about connecting unrelated dots than any actual information.

First, we have the news yesterday of Inter’s acquisition of Argentinian midfielder Ricky Alvarez, leading the media to conclude that Alvarez must have been signed as Sneijder’s replacement. But all indications point to Alvarez being signed as depth, and certainly not to fill Sneijder’s shoes which he is likely not capable of doing anyway. Few are.

Now today one member of United’s coaching staff, Dutchman Rene Meulensteen, has whipped the media into a frenzy for remarking on how terrific Sneijder would be for the Red Devils. Let me just say this, a coach stating the obvious does not mean United is about to splash a pile of cash.

Certainly making a move for a player with as much talent as Wesley Sneijder would be a good idea for Manchester United, and such a deal may very well happen in the future. But nothing we have learned over the last few days leads me to believe such as deal is imminent.

Will Roma need a new goalkeeper?

The agent for Roma’s keeper Alexander Doni claims the Brazilian will soon sign with Liverpool, perhaps as early as today. It was predictable that not long after those reports surfaced rumors of Roma’s search for new a keeper would begin, and that is exactly what has happened. Sky Sports is reporting today that Roma is interested in Ajax and Holland goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.