Arturo Vidal Transfer Rumours: Latest News and Speculation on Juventus Star

Updates from Wednesday, Oct. 29

Arturo Vidal appears ready to end the long-running transfer saga that links him with a switch from Juventus to Manchester United.

Alex Harris of the Daily Star reports that a new contract at the Serie A club is on the table:

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Arturo Vidal is eager to sign a new Juventus contract despite interest from Manchester United.

According to reports in Italy, Vidal has decided to show his commitment to the Serie A champions by agreeing a new long-term contract with the club.

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Updates from Monday, Oct. 20

Arturo Vidal has offered rare comment on his Juventus future amid ongoing reports of a January switch to Manchester United.

Vidal was quoted saying by the Daily Star's Nick Lustig:

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My rapport with everyone at Juventus is very good. My teammates, the coaching staff and the directors have trust in me and I in them.

I am 100 per cent committed to my club and to Chile. I hope to win titles with both these teams.

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Updates from Wednesday, Oct. 15

Juventus boss Massimo Allegri has attempted to calm talk of a fallout between the club and Arturo Vidal over his recently ill-timed night out.

Vidal was benched for the showdown with Roma, but Allegri says there is no case to answer, reported by Corriere della Sera, per Enrico Passarella of gianlucadimarzio.com:

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He was benched against Roma because, with the return of Pirlo, I needed a more tactical player, Marchisio. The nights out? Every now and then, the players do some stupid things. They have to understand when they can do that and that nowadays, with the cell phones, the photographers are everywhere. I’ve nothing to say from the practicing and the intensity standpoint about Arturo, or about the others. There is not a Vidal case.

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Original Text

Manchester United could use Juan Mata as "bait" to sign Arturo Vidal from Juventus, but they are reportedly facing major competition from Real Madrid, who are said to be in talks with the Chilean midfielder.

Aaron Flanagan of the Mirror believes United will "finally get their man" if Mata is offered in a part exchange. The Spaniard has struggled to hold down a consistent first-team place in Louis van Gaal's line-up and is likely to be surplus to requirements if Vidal heads to Old Trafford.

Vidal was constantly linked with a switch to the Theatre of Dreams during the summer. Van Gaal refrained from making a bid—likely due to the 27-year-old's knee problem—but he is said to be considering an offer now Vidal has proven his fitness.

United are lacking a physically dominant midfielder. Both Daley Blind and Ander Herrera are quality options, but neither put fear into the opposition like Vidal can. His aggression and energy could finally announce United as a legitimate top-four contender under Van Gaal, something his predecessor, David Moyes, was never capable of achieving.

Real Madrid, however, are also said to be weighing up a move. The link comes via Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, reported by Nick Lustig of the Daily Star, which could pose something of a problem for United. Madrid rarely fail to get their man, but perhaps most worryingly, Carlo Ancelotti's side have room for a destructive presence through the middle.

This need would be intensified by the sale of Sami Khedira, a player who looks set to leave the Bernabeu in January, per Pete Jenson of the Daily Mail. Considering Xabi Alonso was allowed to exit at the end of the summer, Los Blancos are lacking the combative, controlling presence they once possessed in the centre of midfield.

Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC indicates Juventus may prefer to receive a simple cash sum, perhaps giving Madrid the upper hand:

Vidal would satisfy the needs of both sides. The all-action warrior flaunts a well-rounded game in which his passing, tackling and finishing distinguish him as one of the best in the sport. Vidal's tenacity is likely key to the interest of both United and Madrid; he rarely stops running and would offer natural energy to two sides who are yet to hit their full stride this season.

Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images

Juventus' willingness to cash in may have increased after Vidal was allegedly handed a record fine for his part in a bar fight. Gazzetta dello Sport reported the incident, as noted by Ed Malyon of the Mirror:

Vidal's future rarely escapes the headlines, and speculation surrounding the player is likely to continue throughout January. The player's silence is telling. It seems he will be more than willing to leave if Juventus accept an offer for his services.

Both United and Madrid could utilise his physical style to great effect, but they are likely to remain wary of the star's repetitive injury issues until the transfer window opens.