After scoring a brace against AC Milan this season, there were reports that the Rossoneri could look to sign Gabriele Zappa, and they will not be the only ones to try to sign the defender it seems.
With Davide Calabria’s contract expiring in the summer and the jury still out about Emerson Royal, there is another need for Milan to search for a right-back in the mercato, after last season’s debacle about whether another addition was needed.
In recent weeks, one name has stood out – Zappa’s, more so because he scored a brace against the Rossoneri in the 3-3 draw earlier this season.
However, the Diavolo would not be the only ones considering a move for the defender, far from it.
As Calciomercato.it reports this afternoon, the Milanese club will be challenged by Inter for the defender, although their competition is not as strong as some of the other listed clubs. Instead, the heaviest competition in Italy comes from Roma, who are in need of a ‘shake-up’ at right-back, possibly as early as January.
PSG have also started to follow the right back, given they are searching for a deputy for another former Inter right-back Achraf Hakimi.
Milan were the team that Zappa grew up supporting, and whilst his contract with Cagliari expires this summer, it seems the parties are working on a renewal until 2028 – which should not affect his path away from the club, instead it would offer some finances to them, rather than him leaving for free.
This guy was special I guess… An upgraded for Calabria…
Good player.
He has a bit of everything. He’s quick without being express. He can maraud up and down the right flank (as a RB or RWB) even if he is only solid in that role. He’s solid technically. He can play on the right side of a 3 man defence and defend well (but also get forward). He’s 6’2-6’3. I suspect he can play as the RCB in a back 4 because of his speed, size and defensive prowess.
He’s one of Cagliari’s (formerly) secret weapons that provides Nicola significant flexibility with the way he sets up the team.
He’s like a physical upgrade of Matteo Darmian. Maybe a less technically gifted and attacking version of Calafiori who is a bit more solid defensively.
This has likely become another pipe dream for Milan. If Milan paid €15m for Emerson Royal, who is inferior to Zappa in every way, and there are sides out there who are also looking at a winter upgrade, I can’t see how this gets done for less than €15m – €20m. If Emerson was worth €15m, Zappa is worth in excess of €30m but that’s not how it works because there is an EPL loading attached to player fees (and small clubs often get screwed on prices).
Why would Cagliari sell one of its most crucial structural pieces and best players for under his true value half way through a season and at a point in which it will be in a relegation stoush?