Juventus Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of December 22
Juventus will this week contest the first piece of silverware up for grabs in Italy this season, taking on Coppa Italia winners Napoli in the Super Cup.
While the fixture may not be as prestigious as those that lie ahead, lifting the trophy would provide yet another confidence boost for Massimiliano Allegri and his players.
The Bianconeri will then enjoy their winter break, not returning to action until they host Inter at Juventus Stadium on January 6. Between now and then, Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici will work to strengthen the squad and address a number of issues within it.
Purchasing players in January is notoriously difficult, but the Turin giants will attempt to do just that, boosted by their passage to the knockout stages of the Champions League. Seeking to give themselves the best opportunity to progress even further in the competition, the next month could prove to be an interesting one for fans of the club.
Over the following pages is a look at all the news and rumours surrounding Juventus, updated daily to keep you informed.
*UPDATED WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 24*
Sofiane Boufal Being Monitored by Milan and Juventus
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Angers midfielder Sofiane Boufal is being monitored by both Milan and Juventus according to his agent. Enjoying a superb season in Ligue 2, there is wide-spread interest in the 21-year-old.
“There are a lot of foreign clubs watching," his representative Yvan Le Mee told 10 Sports (h/t Football Italia). “Italian clubs like Milan and Juventus, but also Portuguese and English clubs.”
Simone Zaza Happy but Ambitious at Sassuolo
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Speaking to the UEFA website, Simone Zaza discussed his memories of 2014 and his hopes for the future. The Sassuolo striker stated his belief that his current club has allowed him to grow, telling them (h/t Football Italia):
"I will remember 2014 for the rest of my life, as it’s the year I had my Italy debut. Sassuolo has been and still is the ideal place for me to grow. I feel that I can give much more and continue improving.
I don’t see Sassuolo as a provincial club, as it’s my team and a very good one. I hope to find consistency with Sassuolo and score many goals. Of course it’s normal that within me I have the ambition to play at the top level with a big club, if and when I’ll be ready.
The Bianconeri have an option to buy the 23-year-old in each of the next two summers at an agreed price.
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Juventus Continue Pursuit of Sassuolo Full-Back
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Juventus have a long-standing interest in Sime Vrsaljko and may look to bring the Sassuolo full-back to Turin next summer.
According to SportItalia (h/t Forza Italian Football), Beppe Marotta has already been in contact with the Neroverdi and is a keen admirer of the 22-year-old.
Juventus and Lichtsteiner Finally Agree New Contract
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After lengthy negotiations, it seems Juventus have finally agreed terms on a new contract with Stephan Lichtsteiner.
The full-back’s current deal with the Bianconeri expires in June, but Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that a two-year extension has been finalised.
Writing on his own website, the respected journalist states that Lichtsteiner will receive an annual salary of €3 million after tax but including bonuses until 2017.
Juventus Consider Nemanja Vidic
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It is being reported that Juventus are considering signing Nemanja Vidic in January.
According to Turin-based newspaper La Stampa (h/t Football Italia), the Bianconeri see the 33-year-old defender—seemingly out of favour with Inter boss Roberto Mancini—as an inexpensive reinforcement.
Martin Montoya Still Wanted at Barcelona
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After a move to Juventus was mooted in this report by Gianluca Di Marzio, it seems Barcelona want to hold onto Martin Montoya.
The full-back played 90 minutes for Luis Enrique’s side at the weekend, prompting Barca technical director Andoni Zubizarreta to discuss the future of the 23-year old.
The former goalkeeper praised the player before telling Canal+ that they “want to keep him,” per GianlucaDiMarzio.com.
Torino Not Interested in Giovinco Soap Opera
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Torino have admitted that they will look to bring in a striker in January, but they do not want to discuss names they are interested in.
Speaking with TuttoSport, club president Urbano Cairo refused to be drawn on a move for Sebastian Giovinco, who seems set to leave the Bianconeri during the transfer window.
“We are looking to the market,” Cairo said (h/t Forza Italian Football). “But we will not reveal names or values. For sure this is the time to strengthen, and this is the time to do it.
“Giovinco is out of contract. He doesn’t want to extend, but the deal with Juventus seems difficult and I do not want to start a soap opera.”
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