Biggest Issues Facing Juventus in Final Month of 2015 Transfer Window

When July gives way to August, the feeling that the new season is almost upon us grows almost by the day, with the Italian Super Cup taking place on August 8 a clear sign that the 2015/16 Serie A campaign is drawing ever closer.

Juventus head to China for the traditional curtain-raiser in fine shape, a tumultuous summer across the peninsula’s footballing landscape failing to alter the perception that the Bianconeri are once again overwhelming favourites for the league title.

Hunting a fifth consecutive Scudetto, there are very few holes remaining in the squad available to Massimiliano Allegri, although the coach has revealed he expects the Old Lady may well have one more move left to make before the transfer window closes on August 31.

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“As far as further signings are concerned, the club has got its eye out for an attacking midfield player with offensive qualities," Allegri told reporters at a recent press conference, per the official Juventus website. "We’re assessing our options and requirements.”

Names for that role have been discussed in great detail, with the Turin giants linked with Mario Gotze of Bayern Munich and Schalke’s Julian Draxler, reported by journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Football Italia), with a number of other possibilities remaining open.

There is also arguably a need to add a left-back, with Patrice Evra the only real option in that position following the switch to a four-man defence. Kwadwo Asamoah and Simone Padoin are more comfortable in midfield, while Martin Caceres is better suited elsewhere. A number of players have been suggested as alternatives.

According to Sky Italia (h/t Forza Italian Football), Juventus are interested in a move for Layvin Kurzawa of AS Monaco, believing the 22-year-old has moved into contention ahead of Porto’s Alex Sandro and Guilherme Siqueira of Atletico Madrid.

Bolstering those two areas is important, but sales could well be equally significant, particularly in attack, where the squad has begun to look somewhat overcrowded. The arrivals of Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza were clearly necessary, but Alvaro Morata, Kingsley Coman and Fernando Llorente were already at the coach’s disposal.

That is widely seen as one player too many, and it appears Llorente is viewed as the odd man out. According to the Mirror’s David MacDonnell, Manchester United have identified the Spaniard as a transfer target, and a move to England could be the ideal solution for all concerned.

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Another forward has become the embodiment of Allegri’s most pressing concern, however, with Morata’s performance in the recent meeting with Lechia Gdansk becoming a major talking point.

Brought on as a half-time substitute in the friendly away to the Polish club, the former Real Madrid played just 26 minutes before being taken off again, with the coach clearly unhappy with the player’s approach, as he told reporters after the final whistle, relayed by Football Italia.

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It wasn’t Morata’s day and I didn’t like his attitude. Regardless of technical errors, what really did not go well today was his attitude. When something didn’t work for him, he just stopped.

That is why I asked him to get off the pitch. He made me angry on the pitch, but then he was good as he went off to train by himself.

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Furthermore, Allegri went on to hint that Morata’s behaviour hinted at a wider malaise, one he is determined to eradicate before it affects results.

“There’s a bad atmosphere at Juve, as everyone says we are the favourites, but that is not the case,” the coach continued. “This year will be even more difficult. Before this atmosphere contaminates us, we have to stop it right from now.”

There were no lingering issues, with the coach pointing out the problem and dealing with it swiftly. If Juventus can move beyond that and complete their work in the transfer market, 2015/16 looks set to be another promising campaign for the grand Old Lady of Italian football.