Serie A: Why Luis Suarez Would Be a Smart Summer Signing for Juventus

Now that the domestic football season is sewn up around Europe—save for the conclusion of Spain's La Liga this weekend—attention turns to transfer activity of the continent's biggest clubs.

With major managerial changes confirmed at Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid—in addition to the expected departure of Carlo Ancelotti at France's wealthy champions, Paris Saint-Germain—this will be a busy transfer window.

This looks to be the summer that goal machines are in demand.

Barcelona set the wheels in motion over the weekend, as they completed the purchase of prodigious Brazilian wonderkid Neymar.

With Falcao, Gareth Bale, Edinson Cavani and Wayne Rooney expected to be the subject of bids—as well as rumours linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a return to the Premier League—vast amounts of cash could change hands.

It appears that the biggest spenders will be from England, Spain and France.

Despite not officially starting work at Manchester United until July 1, David Moyes has already set about disposing of backroom staff and bringing his own deputies in. Expect the same to happen with players.

Across town at Manchester City, the expected arrival of Manuel Pellegrini as head coach will be followed by a flurry of transfer activity, with Napoli's Cavani—scorer of 29 league goals—high on his wish list.

This is in addition to the rumoured big bucks purchase of Falcao to newly-promoted, and cash-rich, Monaco in France.

But what about Italy? 

With only two entries in the 10 most expensive signings, it is now 12 years since Juventus paid Parma $58 million for goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

The country's biggest clubs simply cannot compete with the financial clout of other European teams backed by American, Russian or Middle Eastern owners.

However, one thing is clear: Italy's biggest clubs need to invest if they are to avoid being left behind in the quest for European silverware.

The lack of fire-power and creativity at Juventus is cause for concern.

Not only did just two of Juve's players reach double figures for the season—Mirko Vucinic and Arturo Vidal—Fiorentina and Napoli both scored more than La Vecchia Signora, whilst sixth-placed Roma matched the champion's tally of 71.

This profligacy is something that is being addressed by the hierarchy at Juventus Stadium. The arrival of Spanish striker Fernando Llorente was confirmed in January, in a move that will give the Bianconeri a more physical frontline.

However, if Juventus were to really send out a message to their rivals, signing Luis Suarez from Liverpool would not only augment their European hopes, it would be a sign of real intent.

With his recent ban for biting ruling him out of club football until October, Suarez is thought to be considering his options after a troubled two-and-a-half years in England.

The tranquil environs of northern Italy, where he would play the Champions League football he craves, could represent a wise move for the Uruguayan.

In addition to the fact that in recent years his compatriots have flourished in Italy—Cavani being the prime example—Suarez need not look any further than Mario Balotelli at AC MIlan.

A constant disruptive influence who was frequently punished by The FA, Balotelli has since grown a lot calmer after his January transfer to the Rossoneri, scoring vital goals as he helped them secure third spot.

Known to favour strong characters, Juventus head coach Antonio Conte has made Suarez his No. 1 target.

If they were to attract him, the prospect would be startling: He could feature behind the striker in a 3-5-1-1 formation, providing the link between the creative Andrea Pirlo and the clinical Llorente.

Liverpool would demand a fee in the region of €40 million, something that may prove to be a stumbling block. But if Juventus could offload Alessandro Matri, Martin Caceres and Fabio Quagliarella, that price would not look so overwhelming.

What are your thoughts? Would Luis Suarez consider a move to Juventus? Which players could also interest the Iron Lady? Let me know either in the comments section below, or via Twitter: @LeRowley