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Juventus Reportedly Enter Fabinho Race After Cooling Interest in Andre Gomes
February 16, 2018
Juventus reportedly "have their eyes firmly fixed" on Monaco's Fabinho as a key central midfield target for the summer transfer window.
According to Fabrizio Romano of Calciomercato, Old Lady CEO Beppe Marotta and sporting director Fabio Paratici have identified Fabinho to bolster their squad and have effectively dropped their interest in Barcelona's Andre Gomes, who was being offered to them by agent Jorge Mendes for €30 million.
Romano added Fabinho, 24, is likely to cost Juve at least €50-55 million, while there will be strong competition for his signature from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, but he is almost certain to leave Monaco in the summer.
Formerly a right-back, Fabinho is now an accomplished deep-lying midfield player, and it is little surprise he is being targeted by some of Europe's biggest clubs.
He boasts a skill set that would arguably make him an asset at any club in the world, including a fine passing range, brilliant technique and strong defensive abilities.
Despite his relative youth, he is also an influential leader on the pitch, and he played a huge role in Monaco winning Ligue 1 last term, appearing in 37 of their 38 French top flight games.
For Juventus, Fabinho would be a much better and more reliable addition to the engine room than Gomes, who has largely flopped at Barca, where he has spent most of his time on the fringes since his 2016 move from Valencia.
The Brazil international's composure in the middle of the park and ability to interrupt opposition attacks would make him a valuable presence at Juve.
The Italian giants need to add more youth to their central midfield ranks, as Blaise Matuidi, Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira are all now in their 30s.
United and PSG will likely be tough to compete with in any battle for Fabinho, as both clubs boast huge financial clout. Juve will have to be prepared to pay big if they are to get their man.