Juventus Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of October 20
It has been a difficult few weeks for Serie A giants Juventus, with events on and off the pitch causing problems for the reigning Italian champions. Before the international break, a loss to Atletico Madrid was followed by a tense and controversial victory over closest rivals Roma.
With that match—and the subsequent media attention it created—leading to even greater scrutiny placed upon the Bianconeri, it was believed the return to domestic action would allow them to regain their composure.
Instead however, Saturday evening saw Turin’s grand Old Lady drop points for the first time this season, held to a 1-1 draw by the division’s bottom club. Sassuolo should be hugely proud of that result—analysed in detail here—but it will only serve to bring even greater pressure upon Juventus to act.
Inevitably, the current form of Massimiliano Allegri’s men will see an upturn in the transfer speculation surrounding the club as they seek to improve. Over the following pages is a look at all the latest news and rumours, updated daily to keep you fully informed.
*UPDATED FRIDAY OCTOBER 24*
Paul Pogba Extension Announced by Juventus
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Juventus announced on Friday morning that Paul Pogba had signed a new contract, agreeing a deal which will keep him in Turin until 2019. A note on the club's official website revealed the news, which had been expected all week.
Meanwhile, transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio wrote on his own website that he believes Pogba will receive an increase in salary to around €3.5 to €4 million per year.
Juventus to Consider Bid for Everton Ribeiro
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According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are interested in Cruzerio winger Everton Ribeiro and are considering making a bid for the 25-year-old. Writing on his own website, the respected Italian journalist believes the player should cost around €5 million.
Ignazio Abate Wants to Finish Career at Milan
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Ignazio Abate has declared his desire to remain at Milan, hoping to end speculation over his future. The Rossoneri defender has been rumoured to be set for a move to Juventus, with TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t Forza Italian Football) the latest to link the pair.
Despite his contract expiring this summer however, the 27-year-old insists he has no intention of leaving the club. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport of Thursday, Abate said (h/t Football Italia):
"My priority is Milan, I’ll stay here as long as I can. This is my home, although I know in football you can always be moved on. I want to stay here and finish my career.
I couldn’t see myself in another shirt, at least not in Italy. At most I’d go abroad. But the time to say goodbye hasn’t come. I still get excited when I walk into Milanello.
"
Atletico Madrid Also Interested in Xherdan Shaqiri
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Xherdan Shaqiri has been linked with Juventus for some time, with TuttoSport reporting their continued interest earlier this week (h/t Forza Italian Football). However, the Bianconeri will face competition for his signature, with Gianluca Di Marzio noting on his own website that Atletico Madrid are also still monitoring the Bayern Munich star.
Juventus Set to Extend Gigi Buffon Contract
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Gigi Buffon will reportedly sign a contract extension that will see him remain with Juventus to 2017. SportMediaset (h/t Football Italia) believe the club and player are close to announcing the deal, which will run beyond the captain’s 39th birthday.
Michel Platini Says Paul Pogba Has No Need to Leave Juventus
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Michel Platini has urged Paul Pogba to remain in Turin, imploring the Bianconeri to refuse any offers made for the midfielder. Speaking to Sky Italia on Tuesday, the UEFA president said (h/t Football Italia):
"Juve are one of the biggest clubs in Europe, so he has no real need to leave. He will decide what to do with his family. There will be a lot of money offered, but I think Andrea Agnelli will make the right decision.
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Erik Palmer-Brown Still Wanted by Juventus
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US youth international Erik Palmer-Brown seemingly remains a transfer target for Juventus. It is believed it will cost around €1 million to buy the Sporting Kansas City defender, with SportItalia reporting the Bianconeri are willing to meet that valuation, per Forza Italian Football.
Simone Zaza Says Juventus Have No Equals
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After scoring the goal which secured Sassuolo a point against the Bianconeri, Simone Zaza admitted he would relish a move to the Turin giants. Having sold their stake in the striker this past summer, Juventus retain a buy-back option for this summer on a player they regard highly.
“I would only leave Sassuolo for a bigger club,” the 23-year-old told TuttoSport (h/t Forza Italian Football). “Juve? No one equals Juventus. It would be nice to pair up with Carlos Tevez.”
Giorgio Chiellini Snubbed Premier League Move
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Giorgio Chiellini has revealed he turned down the opportunity to move to the Premier League, and admitted in a lengthy interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport that he would like to experience Major League Soccer before he retires from the game.
“I could’ve gone to the Premier League in 2007, which wouldn’t have been a bad thing,” the Juventus defender told them (h/t Football Italia). "Quite simply, I had Juve in my destiny.
“I see retirement as a far away moment, but sooner or later I’m going to have to think about it,” he continued. “It seems more likely to be at 34-35 than 38. Hopefully I’ll hang up my boots after an experience in the USA, just to see what it’s like to live there.”
Arturo Vidal Addresses Media Speculation
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Arturo Vidal addresses media speculation
Arturo Vidal has taken to Twitter to deny there has been a breakdown in his relationship with Juventus. The midfielder was reportedly involved in an incident at a Turin nightclub two weeks ago, and apparently the club had fined him for his behaviour.
However, in a series of Tweets, the Chilean denied that was the case, saying (h/t Forza Italian Football):
"My relationship with everyone at Juventus is very good. My teammates, the coaching staff and directors trust me, and I them. The club has never fined me. The information on this topic is often incorrect and malicious.
My knee is fine. With work and effort I will get in my best physical shape after recovering from an operation and missing preseason training. I am 100 percent committed to my club and my national team, I hope to win titles with them this season.
I hope these comments have informed you correctly. They [the media] will definitely continue lying, but I cannot do anything about it.
"
Manolas Admits Juventus and Arsenal Interest
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Greek international Kostas Manolas has admitted that both Juventus and Arsenal were previously interested in signing him, but insists he is now focused only on helping Roma.
“It’s true, Juventus sought me out after the World Cup,” he told Il Tempo this weekend (h/t Football Italia). “I also could have ended up at Arsenal, although I never went to London as was reported.
“Now for me there’s only Roma, and I’m very happy to have come here.”
Neto Would Never Join Juventus
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While he has yet to agree a contract extension with Fiorentina, Neto has denied any knowledge of a link to Juventus. The Brazilian goalkeeper went on to say he could never move to Turin, insisting the bitter rivalry they share with the Viola would make it impossible.
“I confess I was not aware of any Juventus interest and I think it is just a rumour,” he told ESPN this weekend (h/t Forza Italian Football). "I do not think I would go anyway.”
“I would not do it for the fans who I admire so much. My goal is to continue to play in Fiorentina.”
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