Claudio Marchisio Speaks of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool Interest
Claudio Marchisio has confirmed he is the recipient of phonecalls from agents claiming to represent Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.
The Juventus star, who was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the January transfer window, suggests he won't act on any interest until potential suitors go through the correct channels.
Per the Metro:
"Sometimes I have received phonecalls from agents who told me of the interest of clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool. But no one from these clubs has ever contacted us directly. And in [that] case I would tell them to talk to Juve.
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Marchisio hasn't been an ever-present in Antonio Conte's team this season, but he remains an important player at the Juventus Stadium. The Italian international has made 20 starts and six substitute appearances across the Old Lady's Serie A, Champions League and Europa League exploits this campaign, per WhoScored.com.
The 28-year-old is a versatile, adaptable midfielder who is well-suited to life in the Premier League. He is creative in possession and hard-working without the ball, as highlighted by his 2.3 average tackles per appearance this campaign.
Arsene Wenger is used to snapping up midfielders who can fulfil more than one duty.
Marchisio is the kind of ball-playing type that would slot straight in at Arsenal, but the Gunners boss would be wise to opt for an individual who possesses greater physical presence. Wenger's squad flaunts a number of similar players—the likes of Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil—all of whom offer traits that are comparable to Marchisio.
David Moyes could certainly use such a star. United's midfield ranks need considerable strengthening across the summer, and as we've seen with the signing of Juan Mata, Moyes is looking to ensure his team develop into a fast-paced passing side.
This is something Brendan Rodgers has already managed at Liverpool. The Northern Irishman should prioritise a midfielder who can seamlessly link the Reds' combative middle with their explosive attack, a job that is perfect for Marchisio.
Any prospective buyer will need to realise Marchisio's goalscoring prowess has dampened in recent times, as noted by Adam Digby of FourFourTwo:
Even so, the experienced midfielder would be a decent fit for United and Liverpool. He is perhaps too interchangeable with Arsenal's current crop to make him a worthwhile purchase at a speculated £20 million, though, per The Independent (h/t Football Italia).
Marchisio is a victim of the Paul Pogba-Arturo Vidal show at Juventus and may be tempted to move on after the acquisition of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente limited his advanced role.
He is more than capable of excelling in the Premier League and would improve the prospects of any team he joins, even if he is deemed unneeded by the Serie A champions.
