The close season here in Argentina and also in Europe brings untold amounts of specualtion and gossip. In an attempt to keep you somewhat up to date, Golazo looks at the stories and transfers making the news at the moment….

River Plate

Fresh from penning this new deal it still appears the young Colombian defender, Eder Alvarez Balanta is much coveted in Europe. It is understood that both Monaco and AC Milan are willing to part with as much as €14 million to secure the signature which would be quite a tidy piece of business for River given he has played only 9 games. Compatriots Radamel Falcao and Mario Yepes, at Monaco and Milan, may be able to persuade him but one thing is unsure, how much playing time will the 20-year-old get at either side?
Another player on his way out looks to be Rogelio Funes Mori, with Bayer Leverkusen offering €5 million for his services.
Obviously several players have already been told that their contracts will not be renewed and they will not form part of the squad for the Torneo Inicial. One of those is veteran striker, David Trezeguet, still recovering from the knee injury that sidelined him for almost all of last season. Independiente apparently offered him a route out but Trezeguet has rejected that.
Incoming to the Estadio Monumental could be Martin Demechelis, following Malaga‘s financial meltdown River are said to be keen to take him back. Demechelis is also said to be keen on this but his wife not so much.
Arsenal de Sarandi‘s Colombian midfielder, Carlos Carbonero (winner of Golazo’s goal of the season) looks set to sign a deal next week as does Osmar Ferreyra, from relegated Independiente. They are also in negotiations with Cerro Porteño for Argentine born, Paraguay international, Jonathan Fabbro.

Boca Juniors

Carlos Bianchi has looked to act quickly in this window as many players have been shown the exit door and Bianchi looks to address the areas of weakness in his squad. The main target appears to be, Colon centre-forward and top scorer in the Torneo Final, Emmanuel Gigliotti. With Santiago Silva and Lucas Viatri deemed surplus to requirements, this was a key position and Gigliotti having rejected the advances of Mexican side, Pumas looks set to sign at La Bombonera.
In defence, Bianchi looks to bring in Daniel ‘Cata’ Diaz from Atletico Madrid, a deal that is supposedly done which would see Diaz return to the club he left some years ago to play for Getafe.
More replacements are expected in what will be a pretty major shakeup of the squad following what was a disastrous campaign. Fernado Gago, could be another returning player as it is clear his future lies away from Valencia.

Velez Sarsfield

Another close season that looks like Velez could lose more of their young stars. Gino Peruzzi is reportedly close to a €4 million move to Sunderland, although Inter Milan are keeping tabs on this and young striker, Facundo ‘Chucky’ Ferreyra has been subject to interest from Shakhtar Donetsk and a €7 million bid. Also attracting European interest are Ivan Bella (Benfica and Atalanta) and Fernando Tobio.
A deal to keep Fernando Gago looks unlikely so Velez are looking elsewhere for reinforcements. However, these deals also appear a long shot, Mauro Zarate from Lazio, who started his career at the club is talked about as a target but Velez could face stiff opposition for his signature. The other possible return could be Maxi Morales, who left Velez after their 2011 Clausura triumph to join Italian side, Atalanta.

All Boys

New coach, Julio Falcioni is the major news at All Boys, as the ex-Boca and Banfield title winning manager took over at the end of the Torneo Final. So far Alejandro Gagliardi is his only signing from newly promoted, Rosario Central.
Jonathan Ferrari could be on his way out as he apparently ponders over a offer from Santos. While Falcioni brings in Boca youth academy product, Exequiel Benavidez.

Argentinos Juniors

Caruso Lombardi has apparently drawn up his list of transfer targets but as of yet this is unknown. One player who features is Sergio Escudero, the former player now at Coritiba.
One player that Lombardi will want to retain is Rodrigo Gomez, whose impressive performances towards the end of the season were a contributing factor in the sides survival.

Arsenal de Sarandi

As already mentioned, Arsenal look set to lose Colombian midfielder, Carlos Carbonero but replacements are being looked at. Leandro Somoza, released from Boca Juniors, and Fabian Vargas, after Independiente‘s relegation both appeal.
An offer has also been made for Tigre defender, Mariano Echeverria as Rosario Central rival Arsenal for his signature. Particularly after losing young centre back, Lisandro Lopez to Benfica.

Atletico Rafaela

Rafaela will be on the lookout for a goalkeeper following Guillermo Sara‘s transfer to Real Betis. Thus far their only action has been the signing of Martin Zbrun from Instituto in the Nacional B.

Belgrano

Belgrano’s pitiful goal return in the Torneo Final has meant that a striker is the priority here. Jose Sand, from Racing, Denis Stracqualursi from San Lorenzo, Ruben Ramirez from Colon and Mauro Matos from Mexican side, San Luis have all been mentioned.
Martin Zapata is attracting interest from Quilmes and so could be set to leave.

Colon

Colon have already secured three new players – Lucas Landa, from San Martin de San Juan, and Mariano Bittoli and German Montoya after their release from Velez. The big test for Colon will be replacing the goals of the outgoing Emmanuel Gigliotti.

Estudiantes

The big news in La Plata is the return of Juan Sebastian Veron for the forthcoming season after his retirement. Rumours emerged during the Torneo Final but it is now confirmed that the experienced midfielder and Estudiantes legend will return.
Four players should also be returning from loan spells last season: Mauricio Carrasco (Patronato de Paraná), Mauro Fernández (Peñarol), Diego Auzqui (Nueva Chicago) and Mariano González (Arsenal).
Estudiantes are also keen on San Martin pair: Jorge Luna and Humberto Osorio who both impressed despite their side’s relegation.
It is also rumoured that Besiktas have made a move for Colombian centre forward, Duvan Zapata. The powerful, young forward impressed last season and this obviously didn’t go unnoticed.

Gimnasia La Plata

At present the only real story appears to be perhaps the transfer of striker, Franco Neill who Queretaro of Mexico are keen to have back following a loan spell in 2011. Perhaps Gimnasia will look to Santiago Silva, should he leave Boca.

Godoy Cruz

They key for Godoy Cruz has been perhaps replacing Nelson Ibañez and, although Sebastian Torrico deputised admirably, Godoy Cruz look to bring in Cesar Carranza from Ferro Carril Oeste, in addition to outfield players Carlos Bueno, Jonathan Ramis and Cristian Milla.

Lanus

Manager, Guillermo Schelotto will be looking to build on what was a promising Torneo Final, at least in parts. Unfortunately, this will take some rebuilding as Venezuelan centre back, Oswaldo Vizcarrando has joined Nantes and young midfielder, Guido Pizarro has been attracting interest. Reportedly, he has turned down the opportunity to join Monterrey in Mexico, as he holds out for a move to Europe, Fiorentina are said to be interested.
One player who remains in Schelotto’s sights is Jorge Ortiz, from Arsenal. Lanus are said to  have offered him a 3-year-deal and are waiting for a decision on this.

Newell’s Old Boys

Still in the grip of the Copa Libertadores it is too soon to be talking transfers for Newell’s but this close season will be critical for the Rosario based champions. Ignacio Scocco will not be playing for them next season and his loss will be a big miss, where he will be plying his trade next season is still unknown. The other big replacement will be for manager, Gerardo Martino. Another Newell’s legend, Alfredo Berti will take over with the big ask of continuing Martino’s success.

Olimpo

Already with four players in Olimpo have moved early to succeed back in the top flight. Matías Sarulyte, a young central defender from Estudiantes has been joined by Cristian Trombetta, another Argentine defender, who has been playing in Mexico for Jaguares de Chiapas. This is in addition to the early signings of Leonardo Ferreyra from Gimnasia de Jujuy and Fernando Meza from San Lorenzo.

Quilmes

Nelson Vivas, ex-Arsenal full back has been named as the successor to Omar De Felippe as Quilmes boss and has immediately tried to halt any sale of striker, Fernando Telechea. Vivas is also said to be keen on retaining goalkeeper, Emanuel Tripodi but an offer from Tigre is on the table and his exit looks likely. One player already through the exit door is Fernando Elizari who joined San Lorenzo earlier in the window. Which all leaves Vivas with the task of replacing but also improving the clubs slightly precarious position in the relegation table.

Racing Club

Racing’s main target this window will be to hang on to several of their much sought after youngsters – none more so than striker, Luciano Vietto. However, the likes of Vietto, or more likely Ricardo Centurion, could raise considerable funds should Racing wish to cash in. Two players who perhaps are more likely to leave would be, Matias Cahais and Ivan Pillud but as of yet there is no movement.
Incoming for Racing – Gabriel Hauche returns from his loan spell in Italy with Cheivo and will hopefully add some firepower to ease the pressure on young Vietto. Racing are also keen on Jorge Ortiz but look like they may lose out to Lanus in the battle for the Arsenal man’s signature. This may lead Racing to look closer to home and steal Fabian Vargas from fierce local neighbours, Independiente.

Rosario Central

Manager, Miguel Angel Russo wants to keep as much of his promotion team together but there are some potential targets for the Primera new boys. Fabricio Fontanini is one such player, but they could face competition from San Lorenzo. However, this could possibly open up another of their options, surplus San Lorenzo striker, Denis Stracqualursi. Other names being mentioned are Roman Martinez, Daniel Diaz and Juan Pablo Rodriguez.

San Lorenzo

The form side at the end of last season look to have a busy close season in the hope that they can carry their momentum through to the Torneo Inicial. Goalkeeper,  Cristian Alvarez has come in from Espanyol and now sights have been set on Fabricio Fontanini, Martin Cauteruccio from Quilmes, defender, Emmanuel Más and the skilled youngster, Juan Cavallaro from relegated side, Union. This is in addition to the already confirmed, Fernando Elizari.
After their drawn out, high-profile pursuit of Newcastle’s Fabricio Coloccini, San Lorenzo have again been linked to some big names in Europe. Namely, Italian strikers, Fabrizio Miccoli, Luca Toni and Vincenzo Iaquinta.

Tigre

Tigre’s main activity appears to be the capture of a goalkeeper and the number one target is Emanuel Tripodi from Quilmes. The second choice it seems is River Plate reserve,  Leandro Chichizola and perhaps if River retain an interest in Tigre youngster, Lucas Orban some deal could be made.