Pep Guardiola has ruled himself out of the running to become Italy’s next head coach, stating he requires time away from the dugout. The Manchester City manager’s comments end weeks of speculation that had placed him among the candidates to succeed Luciano Spalletti.
Guardiola explained that he currently lacks the desire to return to the bench. “I don’t feel I’m missing anything mentally,” he admitted, adding that he still loves the game. However, he recognises that coaches occasionally require respite from the demands of the role. He must feel he misses the work before taking another position, something he does not currently experience.
Andrea Pirlo and Raffaele Palladino remain the leading contenders for the Azzurri post, according to reports.
Como persist with Chalobah pursuit
Serie A newcomers Como are refusing to abandon their attempts to sign Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah. The Lombardy club are ready to submit a third bid for the England international after seeing two previous offers rejected.
Chelsea value the defender at €35 million, while Como have proposed €30m plus performance-related bonuses. The 25-year-old featured sporadically for the Blues last season and could be allowed to leave should the clubs bridge the valuation gap.
Juventus active in incoming and outgoing market
Juventus have confirmed the arrival of Zeki Celik from Roma as their second summer acquisition. The Turkish full-back joins to bolster their defensive options ahead of the new campaign.
The Bianconeri are also pressing ahead with their striker search. They are preparing a final package worth €45m for Randal Kolo Muani, structured as an initial loan with an option to buy and a sell-on clause. Paris Saint-Germain are understood to be considering the proposal.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray have enquired about the availability of Juventus defender Gleison Bremer. The Turkish champions are reportedly willing to offer the Brazilian a lucrative salary, though any departure would leave the Turin side seeking further reinforcements.
Roma and other Serie A dealings
Roma are working to secure the signature of Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United. The Giallorossi are preparing an offer in the region of €40m for the Dutch winger, who is expected to evaluate the proposal upon returning from holiday.
Elsewhere, Udinese have completed the permanent signing of Mergim Vojvoda from Como for €1.6m including add-ons. Atalanta have tied down goalkeeper Ederson to a new contract running until 2031, ending speculation about a move to Manchester United.
Fiorentina are set to welcome Ivory Coast defender Christ Inai Oulai from Trabzonspor for his medical, while Barcelona’s Andres Cuenca is bound for Como. Robin Gosens has departed Fiorentina for Schalke 04, and Leeds United have secured Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo.