Serie A: The 9 Best Summer Transfers so Far

It's already July 19th and with the summer market window about halfway done, it's time to grade the best transfers made up to this point in the Serie A. A couple of clubs burst out the gate early (Juventus) while others have carefully bided their time like a big balding cheshire cat(AC Milan, reference picture). Based on player quality, player price and club necessity-AKA how badly they needed him- here are the nine best transfers in Serie A so far.

Djibril Cissè: Panathinaikos to Lazio: 5.8 Million Euros

Looks like notorious skinflint President Lotito has finally got used to opening the wallet. The albicelesti finished just shy of a Champions League berth after a scintillating season of attractive attacking football, but a dearth of clinical finishing upfront ultimately cost them a shot at the only European competition that matters. Cissè's velocity and vivacity will be welcome additions to the Stadio Olimpico, as will his penchant for colorful coiffures.

Miroslav Klose: Bayern Munich to Lazio: Bosman Transfer

Everybody knows this guy. That he came to Lazio-on yet another free transfer- surprised a few pundits, but he should do well in Serie A if he brings his Germany, not Bayern, form;  he, Cissè and Zarate will could provide those crucial game-winning goals notably absent from last campaign.

Philippe Mexes: AS Roma to AC Milan: Bosman Transfer

 Another bargain-buy, trademarked Adriano Galliani. Mexes has consistently been one of the top defenders in Serie A (a league with it's fair share of defensive icons) and Roma felt hard-done to see the Frenchman leave for fairer (and far better paying) shores. He's got the European experience to help Milan in the Champions-their primary goal for next season- and with Alessandro Nesta's physical conditions in constant flux we're sure to see a lot of the blond Frenchman next year.

Ricardo Alvarez: Velez Sarsfield to Inter Milan: 11 Million Euros

As the shining light of a Velez side beaming with its conquest of the 2011 Clausura title, Ricky the Marvel had no shortage of suitors this summer, with Roma, Arsenal and others interested in purchasing his services, but a timely swoop from Inter's sporting director Marco Branca wrapped the whole thing up in a matter of days. And for good reason. Alvarez is a classic example of Argentine play, creative, glossy and perhaps a little too easily bundled over. He's not the finished article, of course, but he's got time to smooth out those rougher edges. And the massive Argentine contingent already so prevalent at Inter these days(Javier Zanetti, anyone?) he'll find the transition to be a smooth one. 

Andrea Pirlo: AC Milan to Juventus: Bosman Transfer

Just the man Juve need at the moment, Andrea Pirlo has dusted off the red and black of AC Milan after a glorious ten year career in which the playmaker won everything there was to win. He fulfills the role of deep-lying playmaker or regista that has eludes the bianconeri ever since they chose a certain Dane (who shall remain nameless) over Xabi Alonso, and while Antonio Conte has in the past employed more energetic, physical midfielders as the counterweight in his 4-2-4 he will surely find space for the World Cup winner. Extra points to Marotta for picking up Pirlo on a free Bosman transfer.

Bojan Krkic: FC Barcelona to AS Roma: 10 Million Euros

Sabatini prised the young Catalan with the worst last name ever away from the motherclub with the help of ex-Barcelona B coach Luis Enrique, a snatch not sitting well with the Camp Nou faithful. Blocked by the more pedigreed players like Villa, Pedro and oh, a certain Lionel messi, a lack of consistency has plagued Bojan throughout his career, despite always having exhibited potential for great things. Should the never-ending “Alexis Sanchez to Barcelona” saga ever come to fruition (only outbored by the “Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona” Saga) and that may be the case, then it’s in everybody’s best interest that Bojan try plying his trade in the peninsula’s capitol. We'll be glad to see him more.

Gohkan Inler: Udinese to Napoli: 12 Million Euros

Napoli and Inler have been batting eyelashes at each other for over a year, and the affair was finally consummated  last week when De Laurentiis unveiled the the Swiss midfielder at the San Paolo last week (inexplicably masked as a lion). Questionable couture aside, Inler has proven over the last few seasons to be both consistent and versatile, able to dictate play from the center of the field as well as high on the wing.  De Laurentiis has reiterated time and again that he wants to establish Napoli as one of the top teams in the Serie A; with canny transfers like Inler and Britos he’ll require an improvement on last year's 3rd place finish.  

Taye Taiwo: Marseille to AC Milan: Bosman Transfer

With the injection of Taye Taiwo along the left flank, Adriano Galliani has corrected a deficiency that has plagued the rossoneri for some time. Antonini had a passable season last year, unfairly hamstrung on and off by injury, while Jankulosky, though perfectly mediocre, has begun the inevitable descent into obsolescence that accompanies bad ACLs and old age. The Nigerian fresh from Marseille promises a good offensive-defensive balance in his play as well as a penchant for stinging long shots. High marks for bringing this guy in at exactly $0.

Erik Lamela: River Plate to AS Roma: 12 Million Euros

After sparking one of the major transfer sagas of the summer, the now ex-River Plate youngster chose a move to the capitol over competition from Arsenal, Inter and Napoli for the tidy sum of 12 million euros, which now looks like a bargain.

Dubbed the “Young Kakà”- yes, it’s a little hyberbolic- for his vision, height and ability on the ball, he brings both talent and youth to a Roma side in the process of a serious rejuvenation. Sabatini can allow himself a pat on the back for this one.