De Zerbi and Marseille face difficulty with two Serie A midfield targets | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi and Marseille are hoping to add a new midfielder to their ranks before the close of the January transfer window on Monday night, but they face difficulties in negotiations for two of their targets currently plying their trade in Serie A.

According to reports from multiple outlets in Italy, Marseille have been in talks for both Ismael Bennacer from Milan and for Italy international Nicolo Fagioli from Juventus.

Marseille in talks for two Serie A midfielders

Reports on Monday afternoon claimed that the Ligue 1 side already have an agreement on personal terms with Bennacer, but Milan appear unwilling to sanction a sale without a replacement lined up, which could be tricky with just a few hours of the transfer window remaining.

Ismael Bennacer of Serie A side AC Milan runs with the ball during the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between AC Milan and Juventus at Al Awwal Park on January 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

Marseille have reportedly offered to pay €1m to sign the Algeria international on loan for the remainder of the season, plus an option or obligation to buy for around €10m in the summer, which Milan has not accepted.

Meanwhile, there have also been discussions for Fagioli, who Juventus are reportedly prepared to let leave. Marseille have offered a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy for him as well.

Nicolo Fagioli in Serie A action with Juventus. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

However, according to updates from Gianluca Di Marzio, Fiorentina also remain interested in the Bianconeri midfielder, who would reportedly prefer to move to Tuscany rather than to France.

As things stand, Fiorentina and Juventus do not have an agreement in place for his transfer.