Juventus Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of January 12
Now sitting just one point clear of Roma in the Serie A table, Juventus have made a mixed start to 2015. Entering the year fresh from a Super Cup defeat to Napoli, the Bianconeri were then held to a league draw by bitter rivals Inter.
Those games—as well as the 1-1 tie with Sampdoria before the winter break—saw Massimiliano Allegri’s men throw away a lead, a habit which looked like it may continue against Napoli this past weekend. While they did eventually triumph over the Partenopei, the defensive issues continue to blight the team and need addressing.
The same can be said of midfield, where Juve have often looked stale despite the presence of some truly gifted players. The club looks certain to address these two areas in the January transfer window, with the coach telling a recent press conference “we're looking for an offensive playmaker and a defender,” per Football Italia.
Over the following pages is a look at the latest news and rumours concerning Juve’s activity in the transfer market as they seek those reinforcements, updated daily to keep you fully informed.
*UPDATED FRIDAY JANUARY 16*
Tottenham Make Simone Zaza Enquiry
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Tottenham Hotspur have allegedly met with Sassuolo to discuss the availability of Simone Zaza. Writing on his own website, Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Neroverdi director Giovanni Carnevali spoke to a representative from the Premier League club regarding the 23-year-old.
The situation is complicated however, as Juventus have an option to purchase Zaza, with the price set at €15 million this summer and €18 million in summer of 2016.
Juventus Deny Sebastian Giovinco Exit Talk
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Juventus have denied Sebastian Giovinco is set to leave the club, despite the striker’s contract expiring this summer. The Bianconeri have yet to offer the 27-year-old a new deal, but Massimiliano Allegri denied the rumours shortly after Thursday’s Coppa Italia win over Hellas Verona.
“Giovinco has never been on the market,” the coach told RAI Sport (h/t Football Italia). “There’s a lot of chatter, but I don’t think he wants to leave.”
Juventus Inquire About Stevan Jovetic
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Juventus are reportedly pursuing Stevan Jovetic, and are believed to have asked Manchester City if he was available on loan this month. Writing on his own website, Gianluca Di Marzio revealed this was rebuffed by the Premier League club, but the Bianconeri believe they could agree a deal in the summer.
SportMediaset added further information to the story on Tuesday evening, reporting that the Bianconeri have offered to pay €2 million to take the 25-year-old on loan, with an option to make the move permanent in the summer for a further €16 million (h/t Football Italia).
Their report goes on to say Manchester City asked for the buy-out clause to be mandatory, with Juventus only agreeing if Jovetic makes more than 10 appearances for them before the end of the season.
Sebastian Giovinco Agrees to Arsenal Switch?
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While a number of Italian outlets continue to discuss a possible swap deal for Norberto Neto and Sebastian Giovinco, the Corriere della Sera believes the Juventus striker could be set to join Arsenal. The paper believes (h/t Football Italia) that the 27-year-old has already agreed to move to the Premier League giants rather than accept the switch to Fiorentina.
Juventus Confirm New Stephan Lichtsteiner Contract
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Juventus have announced that Stephan Lichtsteiner has signed a new two-year contract extension with the club, with option of a further 12 months. The Bianconeri confirmed the news in a statement on their official website, as the player's current deal was set to expire at the end of this season.
Mino Raiola Discusses Paul Pogba Leaving Juventus
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Mino Raiola discussed the impact Paul Pogba has had at Juventus, and speculated on the player’s future. In an interview with Mediaset, the agent says the midfielder will eventually leave Juventus but is currently enjoying life in Turin.
“When one moves to Italy so young you don’t expect them to establish themselves immediately,” Raiola said (h/t Football Italia). “He’s grown rapidly, even I didn’t expect it."
“Will he stay in Italy? No but it will be up to them. We have renewed his contract, we’re happy with Juventus but when the time is right to leave we’ll take that opportunity."
Alessandro Del Piero Uncertain of Future
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Alessandro Del Piero says he has yet to make a decision on his future, but has a number of offers to consider. The former Juventus captain left Indian Super League side Delhi Dynamos having scored just once in 10 appearances before his four-month contract ended.
“I hope to decide soon, not like last year when I decided after four months,” the 40-year-old told Mediaset this week (h/t Forza Italian Football). “There are options both at home and abroad, I want to evaluate calmly and think things over properly.”
Henrikh Mkhitaryan Suits Juventus
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Henrikh Mkhitaryan would suit Juventus according to the player's agent. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has been linked to the Bianconeri, and in an interview with Radio Anch’io Sport, Mino Raiola discussed that possibility, telling them (h/t Football Italia):
"He’s an extraordinary footballer, on both a technical and professional level. He’s suitable for Juve, he can be part of one of the top 10 teams in the world.
However, it’s difficult to see Borussia Dortmund letting him go, but he could bring something extra to the Italian League. We’ll see if he can get to Serie A.
"
Juventus Vow to Keep Paul Pogba
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Juventus have promised to keep Paul Pogba at the club, brushing off rumours that clubs continue to scout the French midfielder. “Pogba has caught the eye of several clubs,” director general Beppe Marotta told Sky Italia (h/t Forza Italian Football). “However, Juventus always want the very best players at the club, and that means having a team of young champions just like him.”
Mario Balotelli Offered to Juventus?
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According to TuttoSport (h/t Football Italia), Mario Balotelli was offered to Juventus on a six-month loan deal. With the player out of favour at Anfield, his agent Mino Raiola reportedly spoke to the Bianconeri but the Turin giants responded negatively.
Massimiliano Allegri—who worked with the striker at Milan—was also asked about a potential move for Balotelli at a press conference on Saturday. He urged the 24-year-old to impress his current club, telling reporters:
"I worked with him and he had a good season with me. Mario has built a ‘persona’ outside of football that is getting more attention than what he does on the pitch. He has excellent qualities, but he has to show them off. He can only help himself by making sacrifices, otherwise he’ll lose his way.
Would I like to have Balotelli in my team again? I always like to have talented players, but he needs to get back to being important for Liverpool.
"
Juventus Confirm Interest in Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Rolando
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After opting against signing Wesley Sneijder or Xherdan Shaqiri, it is reported that Henrikh Mkhitaryan has become a target for the Bianconeri. Writing on his own website, Gianluca Di Marzio believes the Turin club has made an enquiry to Borussia Dortmund over the player’s availability.
The interest was later confirmed by Beppe Marotta as he spoke to Sky Italia ahead of Sunday’s game with Napoli. “I won't deny the interest in Mkhitaryan or Rolando,” the Juventus director general said per GianlucaDiMarzio.com. “They are players functional in our formation and they are on our list."
Juventus Scouts at Sassuolo vs. Udinese
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January Options for Sebastian Giovinco
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Sebastian Giovinco is certain to leave Juventus when his current contract expires at the end of the season, but it seems the striker has a variety of suitors this month. Sport Mediaset (h/t Forza Italian Football) believe Toronto FC are a possible destination, reporting that the MLS side ready to offer him a deal.
Meanwhile, a report from Gianluca Di Marzio believes that Fiorentina are willing to offer goalkeeper Neto—whose contract is also set to expire—in exchange for the 27-year-old.
Michael Ciani to Leave Lazio
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Michael Ciani has announced his intention to leave Lazio when his contract expires at the end of this season. The central defender has made just seven appearances this term and has been linked with a move to Juventus in recent weeks.
“I still have six months on my contract with Lazio,” the 30-year-old told former club Bordeaux’s website this weekend (h/t Forza Italian Football). “I will likely stay in Italy but I need a new adventure. I need a fresh start.”
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