Juventus Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of December 29
The winter break ends next week, and Juventus would clearly like to reinforce their squad before Serie A returns. The Bianconeri may be enjoying a three-point lead over nearest rivals Roma, but with aspirations of an extended run in the Champions League, an increase in quality may be needed.
While Beppe Marotta is clearly satisfied with the impact of Massimiliano Allegri, he knows the coach has yet to accomplish anything of real significance with the club. The director general told La Gazzetta dello Sport that Allegri had “proved the doubters wrong,” and gave him and the team “8 out of 10” for their season so far (h/t Football Italia).
However, Marotta knows he too has work to do, going on to say that there would definitely be some new arrivals in January. “We will sign a defender, though I don’t know yet whether it’s a centre-back or full-back,” he said, and it is difficult to see them being the only additions.
Over the following pages is all the latest transfer news and reliable rumours, updated daily to keep you fully informed of who those new acquisitions may be.
*UPDATED SATURDAY JANUARY 3*
Xherdan Shaqiri Agent Meets Juventus and Inter
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It is being reported that the agent of Xherdan Shaqiri met with representatives of both Juventus and Inter on Friday. According to Alfredo Pedulla (h/t Football Italia), the two clubs discussed a potential January move for the out of favour Bayern Munich winger.
Fiorentina and Neto Reach Crossroads
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Gianluca Di Marzio believes the agent of goalkeeper Neto will meet Fiorentina on Saturday. Writing on his own website, the respected journalist reports that the parties will discuss a contract extension, as the Brazilian's current deal expires int June.
Juventus are among the clubs listed as potential destinations should Neto leave the Viola.
Three Teams in the Race for Xherdan Shaqiri
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It is being reported that three clubs are targeting Bayern Munich’s Xherdan Shaqiri during the January transfer window. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus remain favourites and have offered to take the player on loan at a cost of €3 million, then paying a further €12 million to make the deal permanent in the summer.
However, writing on his own website, the Italian transfer expert believes that Inter and Liverpool have also made offers.
Meanwhile, Kubilay Turkyilmaz has warned Xherdan Shaqiri against joining Juventus, warning him that the pressure of such a move could be detrimental to the career of the 23-year-old. Speaking to Swiss newspaper Blick, the former Bologna and Brescia player said (h/t ESPN):
"When I look at the clubs who are interested in Xherdan, there are clear preferences for me and Juventus would be a disaster. Shaq needs freedom to express himself.
Furthermore, with such a transfer, the expectations would be for him to make the difference immediately. Patience is in short supply in Italy.
"
Turkyilmaz, who also played for Switzerland, went on to criticise Liverpool, with the Anfield club also reportedly interested in Shaqiri, adding:
"England would suit Shaq more. They are less obsessed with tactics there, but a move to Liverpool right now could not be more unsuitable.
They are in a crisis and cannot really have any ambitions this year. Joining them from Bayern, who expect to win titles every season, would be a culture shock.
"
Juventus Interest in Jackson Martinez Revealed
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Juventus reportedly interested in a move for Porto striker Jackson Martinez during the January transfer window. According toSport Mediaset (h/t Forza Italian Football), the Bianconeri are monitoring the Colombia international, as are Arsenal, Liverpool and Roma.
Manchester United Refuse to Sell Juan Mata
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Juventus have reportedly been told that Spanish international Juan Mata is not for sale at any price. Turin-based sports daily Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia) claims that the Bianconeri spoke to Manchester United, but the Premier League club have no intention of selling the player.
Juventus Explore Wesley Sneijder Option
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Seeking an attacking player this winter, Juventus have reportedly made an initial enquiry on Wesley Sneijder’s availability. Writing on his own website, Gianluca Di Marzio believes the Galatasaray midfielder joins the Bianconeri shortlist alongside Xherdan Shaqiri and Alessandro Diamanti.
Lyon Interested in Sebastian Giovinco
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Lyon are reportedly interested in taking Sebastian Giovinco on loan for the remainder of the season. According to Le Parisien (h/t Forza Italian Football), the French club see the 27-year-old as a target and insist that has been confirmed by club president Jean-Michel Aulas.
Carlos Tevez Not Interested in Contract Extension
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Carlos Tevez has told the media in Argentina that he does not intend to extend his current contract with Juventus. Preparing to fly back to Italy to resume training with the Bianconeri, the striker stopped to talk with reporters at Buenos Aires airport and said (h/t Goal.com):
"I want to respect my contract until 2016, that's my plan. I don't want to extend, that's not how I feel at the moment.
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"It's too hard to say right now,” he replied when asked if that meant a return to Boca Juniors. "I'm playing at a high level so it's important to be calm and enjoy being in the moment, constant speculation would drive me crazy.”
Juventus Interested in Franco Vazquez
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Juventus are reportedly interested in Palermo midfielder Franco Vazquez. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Forza Italian Football), the 25-year-old has impressed Beppe Marotta and they believe the director general will move to bring him to Turin.
However, Maurizio Zamparini denies there has been any contact from the Bianconero. “Marotta hasn’t asked me about Vazquez,” the Palermo president declared in an interview with Radio Sportiva (h/t Football Italia). “If he wanted him, he’d have called me. In any case, he and [Paulo] Dybala aren’t on the market.”
Vazquez has scored five goals—and added five assists—in 15 appearances this term for the newly-promoted Sicilian side.
Daniele Rugani Honoured by Juventus Links
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Daniele Rugani has discussed the pride he feels in being linked with a move to Juventus. Co-owned by the Bianconeri, the Empoli defender discussed a potential move with the UEFA website, telling them (h/t Football Italia):
"Honestly, I’m honoured that they’re paying attention to me. That said, I’m only 20 years old and I still have a lot to prove.
I hope one day to be good enough, but first I have to do a lot more work. I want to work and improve, and if one day I play in a team like that I’d be very happy.
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Chelsea Set to Sign Andrej Kramaric
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It seems Juventus are set to miss out on Andrej Kramaric, with the striker ready to complete a move to Chelsea. Writing on his own website, Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the 23-year-old will travel to England on January 5 for a medical and sign a four year contract.
The respected Italian journalist believes the Premier League side will pay around €7 million for Kramaric, who he expects to be loaned to either Vitesse or Leicester until the summer.
Juventus and Porto Discussing Possible Rolando Move
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Juventus are believed to in advanced talks over a move for Rolando, viewing the defender as temporary cover for Andrea Barzagli. With the latter out of the team for a prolonged period, Sky Italia report that the Bianconeri are already in negotiations with Porto for the 29-year-old.
According to that story (h/t Football Italia), the Portuguese club want a €1 million fee for a six-month loan, but insist Juve see that as excessive and would like to pay no more than half that sum. His agent has also discussed the interest of the Bianconeri, admitting to Tele Radio Stereo that the club have begun talks at the expense of a potential switch to Roma.
“At the moment that is off, and Juventus are in negotiations to complete a transfer," his representative Peppino Tirri told them (h/t Football Italia). "The Bianconeri have contact with the executives of the Portuguese club."
Massimiliano Allegri Would Like a Playmaker
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Massimiliano Allegri has made it clear he would like a playmaker to arrive in January, with speculation linking Juventus with Xherdan Shaqiri and Wesley Sneijder. The coach was discussing the campaign so far with TuttoSport when he was asked what areas of the team he felt required strengthening.
“Who would I sign for January?” Allegri responded (h/t Football Italia). “Well, a trequartista wouldn’t go amiss in this squad...” The Turin-based newspaper went on to speculate that Shaqiri was the most likely candidate, the Swiss star seemingly set to leave Bayern Munich this winter.
In a separate report, Sky Germany reported on Sunday that the Bianconeri were close to completing a loan deal for the 23-year-old, with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.
Sebastian Giovinco to See out Juventus Contract
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Sebastian Giovinco seemingly has no intention of leaving Juventus in the January transfer window. The 27-year-old is clearly out of favour with the Bianconeri having played just 180 minutes this term, and has been linked with a number of moves away from the club.
Yet La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Forza Italian Football) believe he will strive to see out his contract, preferring to leave in the summer on a free transfer.
Honved Make New Approach for Alessandro Del Piero
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According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero may yet get the chance to play for Honved. The Hungarian club approached the striker before he opted to move to India, but in a report on his own website, the respected Italian journalist believes they have now made a much-improved offer.
Jeison Murillo Wanted by Juventus and Inter
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Juventus and Inter are reportedly interested in bringing Granada’s Jeison Murillo to Serie A. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Forza Italian Football), the duo may look to sign the 22-year-old Colombian during the January transfer window.
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