By IVES GALARCEP
The New York Cosmos made a big splash recently with the signing of former Spanish national team star Marco Senna, but he may not be the only former European star to make the move to New York this summer.
The Cosmos are in talks with former AC Milan star Massimo Ambrosini to bring the Italian midfielder to the NASL squad for the upcoming season, sources confirmed to SBI on Saturday.
The Cosmos have held extensive talks with Ambrosini, who was recently in New York City to speak with club officials (he also played in the recent Steve Nash charity soccer match in Manhattan last week).
Standing in the way of Ambrosini’s move to the Cosmos is a strong push from Serie A side Fiorentina, who sources tell SBI have a strong bid in for the 36-year old, who recently left AC Milan after 18 seasons with the Italian giant.
According to sources with knowledge of the negotiations, Ambrosini appears to be leaning toward joining Fiorentina, but has yet to rule out the possibility of coming to play in the NASL. He has received interest from MLS, but at this point if he comes to the United States, it would be to play for the Cosmos.
In other Cosmos-related matters, recent reports have linked the club to Spanish defender Sergio Ballesteros, but sources tell SBI that the Cosmos are not in talks to bring the former Levante defender to New York.
What do you think of this development? Would you start considering the Cosmos on par with some MLS teams if the add Ambrosini to a midfield that already includes Marcos Senna and La Liga veteran Ayozi?
Share your thoughts below.