Transfer Talk: Damsgaard heads the list of Serie A's most wanted

The race is on to secure the stars of Serie A this summer, with Italy’s top tier finding itself home to some of Europe’s most desired talents.

From hot prospects who shone brightly at Euro 2020 to consistent league performers, plenty of big-name players appear set to move on before the season begins. 

So as the transfer merry-go-round picks up pace, we take a look at five Serie A sensations attracting serious attention.

Mikkel Damsgaard

Sampdoria ace Mikkel Damsgaard caught the eye with some stunning strikes at Euro 2020.

He curled home a glorious 20-yard effort in Denmark’s must-win group stage clash against Russia and fired in a piledriver of a free-kick against England in the semi-finals.

A relentless runner, the 21-year-old was one of the tournament's standout performers and his list of admirers increased with every appearance.

According to recent reports, Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham are all interested in the versatile attacker. 

Damsgaard moved to Serie A in February 2020 for a bargain fee of just over £5million. If Sampdoria opt to cash in on him this summer, they will likely quadruple their investment.

Luis Alberto

Premier League fans may not remember too much about Luis Alberto’s brief spell in England.

Before being loaned to Malaga and Deportivo La Coruna, the Spanish playmaker made nine appearances for Liverpool during the 2013-14 campaign.

He then joined Lazio in a deal worth £3.5m in 2016, where he endured a difficult debut season in Rome.

But since then, the 28-year-old has developed into one of the best players in Serie A.

Over the past four seasons, he has scored 30 goals in the Italian top flight and assisted a further 36.

Having started his career at Sevilla, he has recently been linked with LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid, Europa League winners Villarreal and Serie A giants Inter Milan and Juventus.

Dusan Vlahovic

Dusan Vlahovic burst into life during the second half of last season, notching 17 times in 24 league outings.

The 21-year-old Serbia international put himself on the map with an audacious Panenka penalty against Juventus back in April and the Old Lady are believed to be one of several sides keen on signing him.

Fiorentina's No9 is also reportedly a target for Liverpool and has even been mooted as a potential successor to Romelu Lukaku at Inter. 

But it is Tottenham who are believed to be at the front of the queue for Vlahovic, with the Premier League side viewing the 6ft 3in forward as the man to help ease the burden on Harry Kane.

Manuel Locatelli

Manuel Locatelli’s performances for Sassuolo since joining from AC Milan in 2018 have placed him firmly on the radar of Europe’s top clubs — and his exploits at Euro 2020 made him even more of a wanted man. 

The 23-year-old performed so well there was a debate over whether he should start ahead of established Azzurri star Marco Verratti after the tournament’s group stage.

Juventus reportedly want to make him the focal point of their midfield, while Manchester City and Arsenal are believed to be interested and Tottenham also have their eye on the box-to-box midfielder.

Sassuolo are said to want around £34m for the playmaker and that fee appears to be justified.

After all, when compared with midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, Locatelli ranked in the 98th percentile for passes attempted (86.93) and progressive passes (7.98) per 90 minutes last season.

He was also in the 82nd percentile for progressive carries (5.79 per 90).

Domenico Berardi

Another Euro 2020 winner, Domenico Berardi eventually lost his place in Roberto Mancini’s starting line-up to the explosive Federico Chiesa.

But the Sassuolo star is still in demand, with Leicester reportedly keen to add him to their attacking ranks.

Reports in Italy have also revealed Liverpool retain an interest in the 26-year-old, having monitored him since 2012.

The left-footed attacker has notched 31 times in Serie A over the last two seasons and chipped in with 17 assists.

His 6ft frame gives him a different physical profile to most wide forwards in the game — something that will only increase the clamour for his services.