Times are accelerating in the search for reinforcements that seduce and at the same time calm Guillermo Barros Schelotto's anxiety to nourish the squad with hierarchy, in that necessary change to be a protagonist in both competitions, the Superliga (as a leader) and the Copa Libertadores (in its return, after not competing this year). With negotiations already started and offers that happen every day - some with more or less foundation - a familiar name, with the added bonus of having emerged from the youth system, began to gain prominence in the last few hours: Nicolás Gaitán.
Nicolás Gaitán during his time at Boca. (EFE)
The attacking midfielder, 29, appears relegated in the consideration of Diego Simeone and Atlético de Madrid has already announced that their two star signings, Vítolo (returned from loan to Las Palmas) and Diego Costa, will officially debut on January 3 against Lleida in the Copa del Rey, after FIFA's sanction has been completed. Gaitán is dispensable along with Luciano Vietto. His performance has not been satisfactory: he scored 4 goals in 48 matches (mostly as a substitute), and this season he has only played 216 minutes. In addition, in October, the newspaper Marca included him in the team The Worst, as the worst in the annual season in contrast to The Best, which rewarded Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player.
However, Gaitán also seduces the eager European market and Italian and French clubs point to him as a possible reinforcement, waiting to obtain his European passport. The obstacle to Boca's intentions is his high value: 15 million euros, to recover part of the 25 million that Benfica paid for him. His agent, José Iribarren, admitted that there was an inquiry but that it is impossible to pay that amount, but a loan for one year is possible, adding his desire for greater visibility before Jorge Sampaoli for the World Cup in Russia.
Emmanuel Mas, a possible reinforcement for the defense.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Silva (who had knee surgery) is another weakness for the Mellizos. Boca offered 2.5 million dollars but his return is not feasible due to Sporting Lisbon's refusal to accept that figure.
The negotiation for Emmanuel Mas is progressing - they offer 2 million dollars to Trabzonspor - as well as Julio Buffarini - on loan from San Pablo - adding Lisandro López as an alternative - substitute at Benfica, with a contract until 2021 - if the loan of Gustavo Gómez (23 matches and 1 goal at Milan since August 2016) that seduces Fenerbahce does not prosper.