Paul Pogba Transfer Rumours: Blow Dealt to Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal and Co.

Europe's elite have been handed a setback in their pursuit of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba after a senior club member proclaimed their desire to keep hold of his services.   

The Bianconeri's general director, Giuseppe Marotta, spoke to Italian radio station Radio Deejay this week (via the Press Association, h/t The Guardian), acknowledging that although Pogba is in demand, Juve have every intention of retaining his talents.

“There are clubs that are ready to spend €70m [£50m] to €80m for Pogba," Marotta said. "There are many suitors for Pogba, but we do not want to open negotiations and we want him to stay with us. If we want to increase our level, we need players of great quality and Pogba is one of them.”

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Titans from across the continent have reportedly been vying for the youngster's signature, with The Guardian's report mentioning Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid as some of those interested.

As Marotta suggests, Pogba's price tag may soon come to rival that of the world-record £85 million Real Madrid paid for Gareth Bale, with Bleacher Report's James McNicholas recently discussing where the Frenchman could end up:

Since moving to Turin from Manchester United on a free transfer in 2012, Pogba has risen to become not only one of the most revered young footballers in the game but arguably one of the most talented midfielders in the world.

After helping France to the quarter-finals of last year's World Cup, he claimed the tournament's Best Young Player award, and the French Football Federation paid tribute to their starlet upon celebrating his 22nd birthday this past Sunday:

Pogba's current deal isn't set to expire until 2019, but the more lucrative ventures available in Spain, France and England may lead to the player departing the Old Lady.

Juve will undoubtedly fight as long as they can to keep a player whom some say could one day challenge for Ballon d'Or honours. David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com suggests a move to PSG makes the most sense but believes the player will remain in Turin for one more campaign:

Marotta's comments would seek to ward off the approaches of Europe's big guns, but it may be the case Juventus can only fight so long before the temptations from abroad prove too alluring for Pogba.

With Andrea Pirlo set to turn 36 years of age at the end of this season, the Scudetto titleholders will be more adamant than ever to shore up their engine room, also seeking to keep Arturo Vidal at the club.

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Taking little time to adapt in the Italian top flight, it's incredible to think this is still just Pogba's third season as a senior player, having already risen to emerge as one of Juve's most important players if not the most important overall.

Massimiliano Allegri's side seems only too aware of the role Pogba plays in the squad, and the Bianconeri are out to ensure he remains within their ranks for the long haul.