Juventus Fend Off Arsenal and United by Inking Lichtsteiner to Extension

Juventus secured a key asset and removed a popular target from the rumour mill on Tuesday when they inked Stephan Lichtsteiner to a two-year contract extension, with an option for a third season.

The Scudetto holders revealed the agreement, which had been one of their more pressing items of business, in a statement posted to the club's official website:

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"During his three-and-a-half seasons in Turin, Lichtsteiner has been an integral part of a side who have won three Serie A titles and two Super Cups," the release read. "He is also a firm fan favourite for his marauding runs up and down the right flank."

It's those runs that no doubt caught the attention of Premier League outfits, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, according to Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express, and had he not put pen to paper this month, it's likely the Switzerland international would have joined one of them or another suitor on a free transfer during the summer.

But by committing to Juventus, he has made the most logical, personal decision—one that will benefit the club in no small measure between now and the end of his pact.

Occasionally criticised for the odd, wayward cross and a penchant for aggressive, ill-timed tackling, Lichtsteiner is nevertheless a player of undeniable smarts who possesses the tactical nous to function as well in a four-man defensive setup as in a 3-5-2 system, which sees him deployed as a wing-back.

Given the Bianconeri's array of midfield talent, it's the full-backs who provide much of the width for the Serie A giants, and to that end, Lichtsteiner has become an important piece in a template that requires a contributor of his abilities.

Additionally, at 30 years of age (he'll turn 31 later this week), he's hardly at a point in his career where settling into new surroundings, nevermind new systems, is a welcome prospect. By staying in Turin, he assures himself of the playing time he'd not necessarily be guaranteed elsewhere.

At a time when high-level full-backs are becoming a rare commodity, Juventus have assured themselves of at least two more seasons with one of the best under wraps. In their quests to address their own shortcomings at the position, the Blues, the Gunners and the Red Devils will now have to look elsewhere.

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