Signing him certainly means Melo will be sold, unless we aren't planning on getting Inler. However, a midfield comprising Aquilani, Pirlo, Marchisio, and Pazienza with no Melo and no acquisition of Inler wreaks of absolute shit!
Perhaps I am mistaken in my perceptions of Inler...as I see him much more like Melo than Aquilani, and aquilani is much more like Pirlo than Melo or Inler...Creators and Destroyers, although they are obviously not so singular in their talents. I am a huge fan of Melo, and believe he can improve further. Him and Inler would be quality for the dog of war position in CM. Then Aqui and Pirlo can battle it out for the regista role. This is assuming we are to play 4 across the middle (which even a 4-2-4 will be at times, when the wing forwards come back to midfield to help out and get the ball).
If however we are to play 3 in the middle..Inler and Melo either side of Pirlo/Aqui, could be fuking superb. With marchisio and pazienza the subs/challengers for Inler and Melo.
I hope its the second case, with krasic high up on the right, matri in the middle and quags on the left.
Buffon
Beck Bonucci Chiellini Ziegle
Melo Pirlo Inler
Krasic Matri Quag
Swap Quag for Sanchez/aquero, buy Beck and Lichsteiner. But then again as I wrote elsewhere, i have ONLY seen sanchez as something very special when he plays through the middle...aquero would be more suitable for the wide prong of the 3 in attack???
Still, even without any massive upgrades in attack the above formation, with a decent spirit, and some luck, should get us into the top 3. Add in a world class replacement for quag, and we look more solid...because what happens when any of the front 3 get crunched??? we have a Martinez, dead iaquinta, pepe, and Dp...very worrying lack of depth in offensive department.
but yes...melo pirlo inler midfield...could be incredibly strong.