Is Lucas Moura a fit for Inter?

The quick answer is yes, Lucas would be a fit for any team. But, as we all know in Italy clubs don't just have 30m Pounds to throw at players these days. So I figure we should analyse whether or not Lucas Moura, a boy on the verge of his twentieth birthday is worth this kind of money to Inter.

Lucas Moura (Sao Paulo)

First we'll need to figure out where Lucas fits in the formation. We saw during the Trofeo TIM, which Inter won for the eighth time in its twelve year existence, that Andrea Stramaccionni went with a 4-2-3-1 formation. In other words an ideal formation for the attacking midfielder/winger. But, if we look at the options Stramaccioni has at his disposal the addition of Lucas and the upwards of 30m Pound  price tag that goes with him certainly seems excessive, but when have we ever known Massimo Moratti to not be excessive?

Massimo Moratti (Inter)

Needless to say, Inter do not need Lucas Moura right now. They do not need his price tag. they should focus on bringing in some young Italian talent rather than Lucas at this time. This is a perfect year to do so. The Europa league does not matter to most teams, but if they happen to stumble upon the latter stages of the tournament then they will surely start to play their 'A' squad, the same goes for the Coppa Italia. Andrea Strammaccioni was promoted from youth squad manger to the senior team surely he thinks there has to be more than just Coutinho in the ranks.

Andrea Stramaccioni (Inter)

Moratti continues to spill his guts to the media on his desire for Lucas even though Sao Paulo has already poked fun at Inter's offers and financial situation. Here's a quote from Sao Paulo's director of football Joao Paulo de Jesus Lopes.

'There is no (formal) offer and, even if it were to appear, the amount is ridiculous. How can you pay 25m Euro for a player of Lucas's quality? Italian football is broke - the club (Inter) are broke. It seems they are creating this to satisfy the fans.'

You know, times are tough when a Brazilian team is mocking your finances, but its true. Inter needs to make some sales before they are able to purchases anyone else of significance. After the purchases of Samir Handanovic, Rodrigo Palacio, and Freddy Guarin, which cost them roughly 35m Euro, there is not much left. They bought Gaby Mudingayi and loaned Matias Silvestre since then, both moves that just scream we have no money left.

Freddy Guarin (Inter)

Giampaolo Pazzini seems to be on his way out after Strammaccioni declared him to be spare parts and Diego Milito will be his first option, so maybe some money to be made there, but other than that I am not sure where Inter are going to muster up the 30m plus Pounds for Lucas Moura.

Giampaolo Pazzini (Inter)

Fact is they need to focus on getting themselves back to respectability before dishing out 30m pounds on a player. Inter's main goal should be getting back to the Champions League this season and with their current squad they have a chance at that. New signing Rodrigo Palacio seems to be set to play the right wing anyway. so why spend the money on him only to bring in someone who will kick him to the bench?

Rodrigo Palacio (Inter)

It's nice to believe that Inter still have a chance at the 19-year-old wonder kid, and he would be a heck of a player in the Serie A, but Inter should be OK without him. It seems as though his price tag is too high even for Manchester United so there will be a chance to make a run at him again next summer. For now the Nerrazzurri need to focus on Serie A and posing a serious threat to Juventus.

Lucas Moura (Brazil)

This argument may come to the forefront as the Olympics start this week and Lucas will feature heavily in the Brazil squad. Should be a great chance for all of us to see what all the fuss is about.

Van Persie Agrees Terms with Juventus

More of a story than a blog here today, but Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio is claiming that Juventus have agreed to personal terms with Robin Van Persie.

Twitter has been sent abuzz with news that Van Persie has agreed to personal terms with Juventus. Sky Sport Italia is reporting that it is in the 5-6m Euro per season range, which isn't bad for a player of his quality, but the real sticking point is the transfer fee.

Arsenal are being very stubborn on the fee for Robin Van Persie which is at the very least 20m pounds. So far Juve have not gone anywhere near that. Juventus has always been known for setting their price on a player and how much they would like to pay for his services. If the fee is to high they'll go find someone else, perfect example is Marco Verratti.

To this point Juve have not offered more than 15m Euro which is way off the asking price Arsenal is looking for, and reports have circulated that Manchester United has put down an offer of 30m Pounds for RVP. Naturally, Arsenal has taken this offer into consideration and is trying to use it against Juventus to try and squeeze more money out of the Bianconeri. However, I seriously believe that Juventus will not go much higher than what they are at right now.

Yes it would be nice to get Van Persie but they will only buy him if he costs considerably less money than what Fiorentina is asking for Jovetic. Look at it this way, get a player who is in his prime, and about to fall on the wrong side of thirty(Van Persie), or pay the same price for a young star who has yet is just entering his prime, and whose value is almost certain to grow(Jovetic). The latter is the decision Juventus has a history of making.

Unless Arsenal lower their asking price from Juventus considerably, then this news means nothing. Fans of Juventus or the Serie A can only hope that Arsenal decide to sell RVP at a discount to the Bianconeri just to get him out of the English Premiership.