Parma Calcio, having recently concluded a transaction that saw Ange-Yoan Bonny depart for Inter in what is described as a financially advantageous move, is now actively navigating the market to fill the resulting vacancy in the attacking department. The search for a new focal point upfront is well underway, presenting the club with a key transfer puzzle to solve ahead of the new season.
The Ivanovic Pursuit: A Price Discrepancy Emerges
At the forefront of Parma`s list of potential successors is Serbian forward Mihailo Ivanovic. According to reports, the 20-year-old currently playing for Millwall has emerged as the preferred candidate for the Gialloblu management. His profile is seen as a strong fit for the role previously occupied by Bonny, possessing a blend of athletic and technical attributes.
Ivanovic demonstrated his scoring capabilities last season, finding the back of the net 13 times in his respective league. Beyond simple goal-scoring, his ability to act as a target man, linking up with teammates, mirrors the tactical function Bonny provided, making him a strategically aligned target for Parma.
However, the path to securing Ivanovic is not without obstacles. Parma has reportedly tabled a significant offer for the player, understood to be in the region of €10 million. This valuation, while substantial, has apparently been deemed insufficient by Millwall, who are reportedly holding out for a figure closer to €16 million. This presents a notable €6 million discrepancy between the clubs` valuations, suggesting a complex negotiation process lies ahead. While Ivanovic is the primary target, the difficulty of this negotiation implies that other names are not being entirely excluded from consideration.
Pre-Season Commences: A Familiar Squad Gathers
Meanwhile, the operational rhythm of the club is beginning to shift towards the upcoming competitive season. Under the guidance of new head coach Carlos Cuesta, Parma`s squad is set to officially commence pre-season preparations. Following initial physical assessments, the full squad is scheduled to convene at the Mutti Training Center in Collecchio for the start of training activities.
Notably, the initial days of pre-season training will see few genuinely new faces integrated into the squad. Christian Ordoñez, an Argentine player whose transfer was finalized during the previous winter window, is expected to join. However, as of the start of official preparations, Parma has not concluded any further incoming transfers for the current summer window. The departure of Bonny represents the primary piece of transfer activity to date for the first team.
This measured pace aligns with Parma`s established operational style in the transfer market – a patient, deliberate approach often described as “without rush.” While the need for a key attacking reinforcement is evident, and supporters may eagerly anticipate new arrivals, the club appears committed to carefully evaluating options and pursuing its preferred targets, even if it means that initial pre-season sessions feature a largely familiar group. The task of replacing Bonny is critical, and the club seems determined to find the right solution, even if it requires navigating valuation gaps and exercising patience in the early stages of the transfer window.