October 17th was a busy day for the summer transfer market, with numerous rumours, negotiations and background stories involving clubs from across the continent. The main focus was on the progress of JonathanDavid's transfer to Atletico Madrid, Niccolò Pisilli's situation and Frattesi's decisions, as well as wider news on English football and potential FIFA bids.
JonathanDavid, who arrived on loan from Juventus to Atletico on the last day of the transfer window, has already demonstrated his value on the pitch. In four La Liga games he scored three goals and provided two assists, a performance that convinced the red and white management to consider a possible redemption. The Spanish club has set a price of 25 million euros for the permanent purchase, a figure that Juventus seems ready to discuss. The player, who had a lackluster year in Turin, has thus earned the trust of Simeone and his collaborators.
Meanwhile, Niccolò Pisilli, who had been at the center of attention from Roma and Porto in the summer, has been excluded from the negotiations. The midfielder, who played a reserve role in Rome, was the subject of offers of around 25 million euros from Farioli's club, but Roma rejected the proposal, believing that the player's value does not justify the required investment. Former Inter midfielder, DavideFrattesi, instead chose to return to Lazio, after Juventus attempted to bring him to Turin. The return home was motivated by his connection to the club and the prospect of a more central role in the team.
The news was not limited to the Italian market. In the Premier League, Arsenal announced the dismissal of 60 staff to reduce costs, while manager MikelArteta signed a new contract with a salary of over £20 million a year until 2030, making him the highest paid manager in the league. Arteta explained that the decision to cut staff is part of a restructuring strategy, supported by the Boston Consulting Group, without eliminating technical and field staff.
Finally, there was talk of a possible candidacy of ArsèneWenger for the presidency of FIFA. The French executive, currently director of global football development, has expressed interest in the position but has not yet confirmed his intention to apply. Some UEFA representatives consider him a credible candidate, especially in view of the elective congress on 18 March in Rabat, where GianniInfantino will present himself for a new mandate. However, Wenger has shown distance from some decisions of the federation, in particular regarding the marketing of the World Cup.