No Chance of Juventus Selling Arturo Vidal After Late-Night Indiscretion

Much has been said and written about Arturo Vidal’s future since the Chilean was allegedly involved in a nightclub scuffle earlier this month. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the Juventus midfielder was fined around €100,000 for his involvement in the incident (h/t Forza Italian Football), and from there transfer talk has only escalated.

The 27-year-old has seen his name linked with Real Madrid by the media in his homeland (h/t Football Italia), while the UK press has speculated once again about a move to Manchester United, per Chisanga Malata of The Daily Star.

Each time, the central theme appears to be that the situation hints at Vidal’s unhappiness, yet it is not the first time his name has been connected to such news. In May 2012, Italian newspaper TuttoSport reported that he and defender Leonardo Bonucci had been instigators of a similar incident, only for Juventus to issue a denial, per Goal.com.

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Exactly as he has this time around, the player himself has not commented on the issue, preferring instead to concentrate on playing and winning matches for the Bianconeri. All summer he chose not to deny the Old Trafford speculation, just as he did last December when it was the European champions believed to be closest to luring him from Turin.

He signed a contract extension that same month per ESPN, making it clear that he is not the kind of star who will publicly refute every claim made by the press. By noticing this pattern and recognising his approach, understanding the Chilean’s position becomes much more simple, while his value to Juventus is undeniable.

With 42 goals in 132 appearances for the club, no player has netted more frequently since his arrival in the summer of 2011, an excellent return considering his role in the side. Stats site WhoScored.com also shows that only one Serie A player made more tackles than Vidal in 2013-14, underlining his contribution without the ball.

His ability at both ends of the field marks him out as one of world football’s most complete midfielders, a player capable of driving his side like no other. Alessio Tacchinardi summed him up perfectly to Goal’s Romeo Agresti this summer, the former Juventus midfielder saying of Vidal:

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The Chilean has proven himself to be almost irreplaceable. He is the true leader on the field, with the ability to construct the play but also destroy it through his dynamism, strength and physical explosiveness.

Today he has no equal. When I am choosing players for my perfect squad, I look not only for leaders but also for plenty of goals, tactical balance and spirit. In short, he is an athlete and an incredible footballer. He is my favourite player.

"

The latest exit talk also flies in the face of comments made by Juve’s Massimiliano Allegri this past weekend, with the coach insisting there is no issue between the club and player.

Felice Calabro'/Associated Press

“There is no split with Vidal, the only reason he didn't play against Roma was a technical decision,” Allegri told reporters (h/t Football Italia). “He played many games, had knee problems and returned from international duty with thigh problems.”

With everyone connected to La Madama convinced of his importance to her on-going quest for success, there seems little reason to believe the player will be leaving any time soon. While it may sell newspapers and generate internet traffic, there is absolutely no reason for the Italian champions to entertain the idea of selling their finest talent.

Often, such reports cite the sales of Roberto Baggio or Zinedine Zidane as precedents, yet even as great as those two stars were, each played second fiddle to Alessandro Del Piero at Juventus. The departure of each saw the former captain thrive, but the striker is no longer there as the figurehead of the side.

The current incarnation of Turin’s Old Lady is shaped firmly in the image of her Chilean midfielder, a driven, tenacious player who relentlessly pursues opponents and silverware with equal vigour. There is no chance of Juventus selling Arturo Vidal following his late-night indiscretion, it simply makes no sense.