The 26 year old is one of the most well recognized Serie A defenders
There always seems to be an uncertainty hanging around the futures of recognized Serie A stars. Especially after the golden generations of the Nesta’s, Maldini’s, the Zanetti’s, The Del Piero’s and Materazzi’s seem a moment lost in time after a mild financial crisis. There always is a strong possibility that a renowned Serie A star would be snapped up by a powerhouse English club or a Real Madrid, Barcelona or the Bayern Munich’s of all people. And of course, the Italian system has, through the years, developed a particular adroitness in making players who have a peculiar strength in their armory.
But when it comes to Inter Milan’s skipper Andrea Ranocchia, he’s one perfect centre back. The 26 year old stands 196 cms above the ground and has all the qualities for becoming one of the best defenders in the world, if not the best. He’s strong in the air, has a good reading of the game and adept in making key interceptions in the defensive third. Although, the previous season didn’t go exceptionally well for him under Walter Mazzari, but he’s starting to earn rave reviews and fans and pundits alike. And under new manager Roberto Mancini, Ranocchia forms the pivot of La Beneamata’s defensive back three’s core, along with fellow seniors Nemanja Vidic and Juan Jesus.
But, the Italian has long been linked with a move to the Premier League which includes clubs such as Chelsea, Man United, Tottenham and Arsenal. With the last 3 of the 4 in frantic needs of a defensive recruitment, the Inter skipper’s future does seem a bit uncertain. Some may argue that because Andrea is currently captaining, the chances of him leaving Giuseppe Meazza are rather bleak. But detractors must also consider the fact that Ranocchia’s contract runs out next summer and the 26 year old would be available for a pre-contract buy as soon as the winter transfer window swings open.
In some cases in modern football, being a captain is an outside assurance for a player that he is a key player for them and has what it takes to inspire the side and propel them on. A prime example could be Mats Hummels, who’s recently been appointed the Borussia Dortmund skipper. Sometimes, it is a case of that player being a prodigal son at the club or he is someone who carries their image where ever he goes. A perfect example of this could be Simon Rolfes, the Bayer Leverkusen skipper or to a larger extent- Steven Gerrard or Wayne Rooney. But Ranocchia’s case is far detached from any of these examples. Still 26, Andrea is counted among the best centre backs in Italy alongside Georgio Chiellini or Leonardo Bonucci. The former Genoa star joined Nerazurri back in 2011 and although, isn’t the most senior players in the side but certainly has played for Inter more than anybody else.
Each of Arsenal, Man United and Tottenham or even Liverpool would love to lay their hands on this man, without a shadow of doubt. He’s currently rated at around 13 million euros by transfermarkt.com and being available at a pre contract buy, would bring that cost down. There have been conflicting reports in the media pertaining to whether he’d be tied to a new contract or not with some sources suggesting that Ranocchia is stalling over signing a new contract and others stating that he will sign one.
The ill-effects of the financial crisis are still being felt by Serie A sides. And an offer in the region of the base price would be enticing for Inter, disregarding that his contract is about to run out. Because there’s another facet to his situation. Roberto Mancini, the newly appointed manager is considered to be one of Andrea’s long term admirers and would love to keep him at the club.
The arm band which he dons proudly would add to that love even more. He was a supposed target for Mancini when the Italian gaffer was plying his trade with Manchester City and has reposed his liking for the 26 year old by forming his defensive shape around him.
The option of snapping Ranocchia up is of course tempting, taking into account that he can chip in with goals as well. But Mancini’s liking towards the 26 year old would be hard to break down. The interested clubs aren’t short of any money, excluding Spurs are finding themselves in a spot of a financial muddle lately. He’s very strong in the air and this quality actually stands out above the rest. former Inter centreback Marco Materazzi has described Ranocchia as his heir due to his own aerial prowess. Former Inter defensive legend and captain Javier Zanetti has also praised Ranocchia for his leadership.
But there’s nothing in football that money can’t do. An offer in the region of 13 or 14 million would well tempt Inter into offloading him and also use that money as a makeweight for buying a replacement for him in the form of 23 year old Swiss Fabian Schaar(who, again would be available on a pre contract buy) or Spurs outcast Vlad Chiriches.
The probability of Andrea Ranocchia moving still remains a 50-50. Inter would offer him a new deal, there’s no doubt about that but when would they do so? That’s an unanswered question which would be a key factor in deciding his future. It’s mid December now and with almost 17 days left for the window to swing open, Inter would’ve to hurry. Or else, risk losing out on one of their most prized assets and more than that, losing their captain.
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