Juventus Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of October 27
As ever, Juventus are the centre of intense scrutiny, good or bad results met with equal column inches and heated discussion.
On Sunday, the Bianconeri ended a run of poor results and comfortably dispatched Palermo, recording a 2-0 victory over the struggling Rosanero.
That game saw a return to winning ways for Massimiliano Allegri’s men, having followed last weekend’s draw with Sassuolo with Wednesday’s loss to Olympiacos.
The defeat in Greece saw the club widely criticised for their European form, with many observers harshly judging their performances on the continent.
Arrigo Sacchi was among the most vociferous, making his assessment of their failings to Mediaset (h/t Goal.com) on Thursday: "In Europe, you have to play a different kind of football to win and Juventus have not made that leap."
As always, the January transfer window will provide an opportunity for the Turin giants to improve, and hopefully make the improvements Sacchi and others have identified.
Over the following pages is a look at all the transfer talk surrounding Juventus, updated daily to keep you fully informed.
*UPDATED FRIDAY OCTOBER 31*
Juventus eye January additions to injury-hit defence
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With their defence decimated by injuries, Juventus are believed to have identified two transfer targets for January. Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres and Patrice Evra are all currently absent with knocks, while Gianluca Di Marzio reported Arsenal’s interest in Stephan Lichtsteiner here.
Now, SportMediaset believe that the Bianconeri could look to add Thomas Heurtaux of Udinese and Sassuolo’s Sime Vrsaljko when the transfer window opens (h/t Forza Italian Football).
Juventus Believed to Have Deal in Place for Xherdan Shaqiri
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It is being reported that Juventus and Bayern Munich have an agreement for the January transfer of Swiss star Xherdan Shaqiri. InfoTicker, a site in his homeland, state (h/t Forza Italian Football) that a deal has been struck between the two clubs as the 23-year-old searches for increased playing time.
Shaqiri has made just three starts for the German side this term, stats site Who Scored showing he has featured for just 325 minutes in all competitions.
Luis Suarez Reveals He Almost Signed for Juventus
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Luis Suarez has revealed that he almost joined Juventus in 2012, revealing the only the intervention of Brendan Rodgers changed his mind. Linked with a move to Turin that summer, the striker admits a conversation with the newly-appointed Liverpool coach prevented him making the switch.
Discussing their conversation in his new autobiography ‘Crossing the Line: My Story,’ the Uruguayan star writes (h/t Sky Sports):
"He wanted to talk with me because there was a possibility for me to go to Juventus. Brendan Rodgers called me in Spanish and he told me to give him time.
He told me that we had to manage the ball and to play an offensive game. He convinced me. Even if results haven't been good, I had seen that we were playing better. I was excited.
"
Arsenal Make Contact with Stephan Lichtsteiner
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While Juventus and Stephan Lichtsteiner continue to talk over a new deal, Arsenal have reportedly made contact with the Swiss defender. Writing on his own website, Gianluca Di Marzio believes the player and the Bianconeri will find an agreement, but notes the interest of the Premier League club.
Lichtsteiner’s current deal expires in June 2015, with Serie A rivals Inter also believed to be monitoring the situation.
Antonio Candreva Denies Talk of Juventus Return
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Antonio Candreva has refuted claims he almost rejoined Juventus this summer, insisting he never wanted to quit current club Lazio. Speaking to Il Messaggero (h/t Football Italia) the Italian international said:
"I’ve always wanted to stay at Lazio. That’s what I said to my agents before all these rumours. It’s true that several teams came in for me, but I always wanted to re-sign with Lazio.
A return to Turin and the Champions League? I deny everything.
"
Juventus Paid Huge Agent Fees for Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez
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Having released their latest financial accounts of Friday, it has been revealed that Juventus paid large sums to certain agents over the past year.
According to Forza Italian Football’s analysis, the representatives of Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez were the most notable recipients.
The Spaniard arrived for no transfer fee last summer after his contract with Athletic Bilbao expired, but the Bianconeri were forced to pay just over €3 million to his agents.
Meanwhile, his strike partner’s representatives received €4.8 million.
Beppe Marotta Discusses Expiring Juventus Contracts and January Plans
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Juventus have a number of key players whose contracts expire this summer, but director general Beppe Marotta has revealed the club are in talks to extend the deals of six major stars.
Speaking at Friday’s shareholders' meeting, he said (h/t Football Italia):
"Contractual situations vary in age, and human and technical values. All six players – [Giorgio] Chiellini, [Gigi] Buffon, [Sebastian] Giovinco, [Marco] Storari, [Stephan] Lichtsteiner and [Simone] Pepe - have great human values, but the conditional factor is the sporting one. We have started negotiations with all of them.
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He also went on to discuss Juve’s plans for the January transfer window, saying any outlay may depend on their European progress.
“Today, it’s difficult to give any answers,” Marotta said. “We'll see how the Champions League goes and whether there will be any opportunities.”
No Buyout Clause in New Paul Pogba Contract
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Having announced Paul Pogba had signed a new contract via their official website, Juventus have moved to dismiss suggestions the French midfielder’s deal contains a pre-set buyout price.
”There is no exit clause in the contract that was signed by Pogba,” Marotta said at a board meeting (h/t GianlucaDiMarzio.com).
Juventus Were Close to Radamel Falcao Deal
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Juventus have revealed they were very close to bringing Radamel Falcao to Turin this summer.
The Colombian striker eventually moved on loan from Monaco to Manchester United, but Marotta told TV show Domenica Sportiva (h/t Forza Italian Football) that the Bianconeri almost struck a deal for the player.
“We were very close to signing Falcao and the player wanted to give priority to Italy and to our shirt,” the director general said. “Then, however, a deal was done to send the forward to Manchester United, who now have a preferential right of purchase, though that deal is a little blurred.”
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