Juventus Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of December 8
The coming week could prove vital for Juventus, their on- and off-field fortunes possibly defined by what happens over the next seven days. Atletico Madrid travel to Turin on Tuesday, with the Bianconeri knowing they must not lose to the Spanish side if they are to progress in the Champions League.
Reaching the knockout stages would be an improvement on last season, and Gigi Buffon believes they can go even further.
"We will not make proclamations or promises," the goalkeeper told reporters on Friday, per Football Italia. "But our squad is worth a place in the quarter-finals."
The Italians are still seeking to improve the quality of players at the disposal of Massimiliano Allegri as January approaches. A number of names continue to be linked with moves during the transfer window, with switches expected both in and out of the club.
The following pages include comprehensive coverage of all the news and rumours concerning Juventus, updated daily to ensure you are kept fully up to date.
*UPDATED FRIDAY DECEMBER 12*
Giovinco Will Not Move to Torino
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Torino have insisted they will not attempt to sign Sebastian Giovinco when the transfer window opens in January. Asked about the Juventus striker, club president Urbano Cairo told Mediaset “Giovinco is not a pursuable target,” (h/t Forza Italian Football).
Juventus to Fly out for Martin Montoya
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After his agent announced he would leave Barcelona in January, Juventus will reportedly fly to Spain in a bid to sign Martin Montoya. On Thursday, his representative Juan Dios Carrasco told Calciomercato.it that “as of now, interested clubs can contact Barcelona and negotiate his transfer,” (h/t Football Italia).
In response, Gianluca Di Marzio reports on his website that Bianconeri sporting director Fabio Paratici flew out on Friday morning hoping to steal an advantage over other interested clubs.
Positive Meeting Between Juventus and Stephan Lichtsteiner
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Juventus reportedly met with Stephan Lichtsteiner’s agent Federico Pastorello and on Wednesday in a bid to agree a new contract for the Swiss full back. Writing on his own website, Gianluca Di Marzio believes that after discussing the matter with club representatives, a deal “appears closer.”
Lichtsteiner’s current agreement with the Bianconeri expires in June 2015.
Victor Valdes Offers Himself to Juventus
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According to reports in Italy, Victor Valdes has offered himself to Juventus and is looking to join the club in January. Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia) believe he prefers the Bianconeri over Monaco or Manchester United despite currently training with the latter.
Juventus Monitor Former Roma Defender
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Former Roma defender Rafael Toloi is reportedly a target for Juventus as the January window approaches. The Brazilian—currently playing for Sao Paulo—spent six months with the Giallorossi last season and La Gazzetta dello Sport believe the Turin club may seek a similar arrangement (h/t Forza Italian Football).
Fernando Llorente Had Chance to Leave Juventus
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In an interview with Radio Cope, Fernando Llorente has revealed he had the opportunity to leave Turin before the season began. “In the summer I had a few offers," he told them (h/t Football Italia). "But I never thought I'd leave Juventus.”
Manolo Gabbiadini Talks Continue
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Sampdoria have confirmed that talks have begun with Napoli over the transfer of Manolo Gabbiadini. The Genovese club co-own the striker with Juventus, and it seems a move in January is almost certain.
"Between Napoli and Gabbiadini there is an ongoing negotiation that has yet to be completed," sporting director Carlo Osti told Sky Italia (h/t GianlucaDiMarzio.com) "Napoli really likes him and the two parties are constantly meeting."
Juventus to wait for Sime Vrsaljko
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Juventus will reportedly not make a move for Sime Vrsaljko when the transfer window opens. A switch for the Sassuolo full-back had been expected in January, but according to RAI Sport, the Bianconeri will instead wait until the end of the season (h/t Forza Italian Football).
Fitness issues delay Tomas Pochettino deal
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Juventus have failed to close the deal for Tomas Pochettino, despite the transfer of the Boca Juniors midfielder widely expected to have be completed last week. Writing on his own website, Gianluca Di Marzio reports that medical checks revealed on-going issues which the Bianconeri wish to investigate further.
Juventus Want Daniele Rugani in January
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With injuries in defence, it is believed Juventus will bring Daniele Rugani back to the club in January. The central defender is co-owned by current side Empoli, but La Gazzetta dello Sport insist that the Bianconeri see recalling him as an easier option than making a new signing (h/t Forza Italian Football).
However, Empoli’s sporting director denied that, insisting the Turin giants have never discussed the matter. Speaking in an interview with TuttoMercatoWeb on Monday, Marcello Carli said (h/t Football Italia):
"None of our major players will leave in January. When we’re trying to achieve certain goals, it wouldn’t make sense for us to lose any of our big players. Our best players will remain.
"
Does that include Rugani? Absolutely. I don’t know where this talk of Juventus has come from. Juventus have never asked for him in January.
Torino Fans Don’t Want Sebastian Giovinco, but Fiorentina Do
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On Saturday, Torino fans made their feelings about a possible move for Sebastian Giovinco clear.
Linked with a move for the Juventus striker by TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t Forza Italian Football), supporters unveiled a banner proclaiming “We don’t want the Gobbo dwarf!”
That prompted La Gazzetta dello Sport to report that Fiorentina now lead the chase for Giovinco, with Vincenzo Montella’s side clearly needing reinforcements in attack (h/t Football Italia).
Mattia Perin Not New Buffon But…
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Mattia Perin’s agent, Moreno Roggi, has played down the comparison between the player and Italy legend Gigi Buffon, but he hinted at a possible move to Juventus.
Interviewed by Sky Italia show Football Night, he said (h/t GianlucaDiMarzio.com): "He isn’t the new Buffon, because Buffon is unique. I’m not sure if Juve has made a move for him, but it would surprise me if they hadn’t."
Boca Juniors Believe Carlos Tevez Will Return
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Boca Juniors insist that Carlos Tevez could return to the club after next season. Coach Jose Requejo discussed the matter with Telam Deportes, ruling out a return by the player this coming summer.
The striker began his career with the club, and they believe his love for them will see him return in the future.
“Tevez will not return to Boca in 2015,” Requejo said (h/t Forza Italian Football). “But I am convinced we can bring him back to Argentina in 2016.”
Juventus to Talk with Stephan Lichtsteiner Again
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Juventus will meet with Stephan Lichtsteiner again, seeking a compromise on a new contract for the player.
Lichtsteiner's current deal expires in June, and Gianluca Di Marzio reports on his website that both parties are hoping to reach an agreement.
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