Juventus Reportedly Ready to Resist Chelsea, Dortmund Bids for Mattia Caldara

Juventus are reportedly ready to resist any offers they receive from Chelsea or Borussia Dortmund for centre-back Mattia Caldara.

According to Sky Sport Italia (h/t Sport Witness's Naveen Ullal), the Blues have joined the Bundesliga side in the race for the defender, as new manager Maurizio Sarri seeks to improve his options at the back.

However, Juventus are said to be intent on keeping the 24-year-old around, despite the fact he has yet to play for the club. The Bianconeri signed Caldara in January 2017 from Atalanta, although he was sent back on loan for the remainder of the campaign and then again for the 2017-18 season.

As relayed by Football Italia, according to Sky Chelsea have made an offer of €30 million for the defender, whereas Borussia Dortmund have made a bid worth a potential €40 million; both are said to have been turned down by the Italian champions.

Per Sport Witness, according to Calciomercato the Blues are also interested in Juventus defender Daniele Rugani.

Caldara is in an interesting position at Juventus. As we can see below, while he was officially signed by the club in January 2017, he was only just recently announced as a Bianconeri player:

For the Italy international, waiting to join the squad would’ve been frustrating. But there is no doubt he’s benefitted from spending time away from Turin, getting regular games and becoming a crucial player for Atalanta.

Caldara was the leader of the back three for the Italian side, with the ball so often like a magnet to him in the penalty area. The 24-year-old has such sharp defensive instincts, as he’s able to position himself smartly, win aerial battles and pick off opposition passes in dangerous areas.

As these numbers illustrate, Caldara is also capable of chipping in with some key goals, as he’s a major threat from dead-ball situations:

Broadcaster Mina Rzouki insisted she’s excited to see what the centre-back can do amid a number of exciting summer arrivals for the the Bianconeri:

While Caldara is clearly an immense talent, it’s not immediately clear where he will fit into Massimiliano Allegri’s team. Last term the Italian coach used Giorgio Chiellini and Medhi Benatia as a duo in the main, while he also has the experienced Andrea Barazgli and more youthful Rugani to call upon too.

Given he’s been playing regular football throughout his career, Caldara may not be too enamoured by spells on the bench, especially if illustrious clubs like the ones mentioned are said to be targeting him. However, if he can play with the same authority he has shown in recent years, Allegri may just have the find a spot for the defender in the setup.