Serie A summer signings to watch in 2021/22

Any league in the world would suffer from losing two of its biggest superstars in the space of a single summer, so it's no surprise that Serie A lovers are fearing for the reputation of calcio following the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku.

The dynamic duo hit 53 goals between them last year, with Lukaku firing Inter to scudetto glory, and Ronaldo breaking even more records with his devastatingly prolific goalscoring.

Big shoes must be filled, but the transfer market has delivered some absolute gems. Whether they are new arrivals to Serie A, or players making the switch from one Italian club to another, there's been some extremely exciting action in the window.

But which stars should you keep an eye on this season? Here are some of the best transfers in Serie A this summer.

1. Merih Demiral (Atalanta)

The last time Atalanta loaned an out of favour centre-back from Juventus, they turned him into Serie A's Defender of the Year in one season, paid the pre-agreed option-to-buy fee and sold him on for a shedload of money.

La Dea have replaced Cristian Romero with Merih Demiral, and they'll be hoping he can replicate the Argentine's heroics over the course of the upcoming campaign.

2. Manuel Locatelli (Juventus)

The transfer we all expected to happen eventually did happen towards the end of the summer window, as Manuel Locatelli secured his move to Juventus.

The former Sassuolo star is exactly what the Bianconeri need to start controlling games in the midfield again, and he can bring the energy and spark back to Turin. A super-talented maestro.

3. Joaquin Correa (Inter)

Inter were one of the teams most impacted by the summer transfer window, losing two of their biggest stars in Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi to European rivals. Some supporters may have seen their subsequent incomings as underwhelming replacements, but they've started in blistering fashion.

One of those is Joaquin Correa, who has joined from Lazio on an initial loan. He won black and blue hearts in dramatic fashion on his debut, coming off the bench to bag a game-changing brace against Verona. He could explode at San Siro.

4. Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)

Lazio lost Correa this summer, but they did gain Mattia Zaccagni. He may not be particularly well-known outside of Italy, but the 26-year-old is a versatile forward with loads to offer.

Zaccagni is a relentless and intelligent attacker who is unstoppable on his day, and with the hands of Maurizio Sarri ready to mould him into his attacking system, this is a partnership that could blossom into something special.

5. Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta)

A whole cluster of European clubs were linked with Teun Koopmeiners during the summer, including Liverpool, but Atalanta fought them all off to land the talented Dutchman.

Only 23 years old, he will be a leader at the heart of the Goddess' midfield, demonstrating exactly why Gian Piero Gasperini pushed to sign the AZ Alkmaar star for a measly €12m.

6. Eldor Shomurodov (AS Roma)

All the talk of the summer surrounded AS Roma's pursuit and eventual capture of one particular striker, but we're not going to talk about him - yet. Instead, keep an eye out for Eldor Shomurodov.

The lightning quick Uzbek forward made the switch from Genoa to the Italian capital this summer, and he's already contributing in a talent-packed Giallorossi side. Not a guaranteed starter, but one to watch.

7. Patrick Cutrone (Empoli)

This is definitely not how Patrick Cutrone saw his career going. Once destined to be the future of Milan's strike-force, the 23-year-old suffered disappointing spells at Wolves, Fiorentina and Valencia, before finally ending up at newly-promoted Empoli.

Cutrone has begun the season like a man with plenty to prove, and back in the comfort of his home country, the bullish forward is ready to fire Empoli to safety. He started by bullying Leonardo Bonucci in a shock win away at Juventus - not bad.

8. Marko Arnautovic (Bologna)

This one may have flown under the radar, but Marko Arnautovic is back in Europe! After a lucrative spell in China came to an end, the Austrian has settled down in Serie A, joining mid-table Bologna.

He is box office in every match he plays at every level, and his arrival has certainly made Bologna a much more interesting prospect. He's already off the mark for the Rossoblu - let's see what he's got to offer.

9. Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina)

Who would have thought that Fiorentina would boast one of the most electric strike partnerships in Europe heading into the 2021/22 campaign? The Viola kept hold of the in-demand Dusan Vlahovic over the summer, but also strengthened their options in attack.

Nicolas Gonzalez has taken to life in Italy with ease, striking up the deadliest of rapports with the clinical Serb. The left-winger has shown flashes of his potential for Fiorentina - and they could be serious entertainers this year.

10. Alvaro Odriozola (Fiorentina)

Alvaro Odriozola's career has stalled since moving to Real Madrid three years ago, but Fiorentina have presented him with the chance to truly develop and fulfil his potential.

The right-back has not played consistently for a number of years, but the Voila know there is talent waiting to be unlocked and nurtured within the Spaniard. They've built quite the side...

11. Franck Ribery (Salernitana)

Despite being an influential figure in Florence last year, Franck Ribery left the beautiful Italian city to join newly-promoted Salernitana. Little is expected of the newcomers, and two defeats in two league games so far won't instil too much confidence in their supporters.

But one thing is for sure - they are giving survival a proper go, if the signing of Ribery is anything to go by. The 38-year-old will bring elite experience, calm and a sprinkling of magic to this side - surely he won't keep them up though, right?...

12. Tammy Abraham (AS Roma)

Finally, the big man - Bam Bam Abraham. Tammy Abraham has a point to prove to Chelsea this year and he has set about making that point in noisy fashion.

He has won Roma fans' hearts instantly, playing with visible passion and pride for the shirt, while delivering with his feet, too. Abraham hammered his first goal in Giallorosso against Salernitana, and he'll be aiming to add plenty more to that tally over the course of the season. Jose Mourinho's main man.