Juventus Transfer News: Mousa Dembele Reportedly Offered Amid Exit Rumours
Mousa Dembele has reportedly offered himself to Juventus, with hisย Tottenham Hotspur contract set to expire at the end of the season.
According to Fabrizio Romano of Calciomercato.com, Inter Milan and Napoli tried to sign the Belgium international during the summer but Spurs were looking for โฌ30 million (ยฃ27 million). Chinese clubs are also said to be interested, and Dembele could still sign a new contract with the north London club.
Per Romano, Dembele would ask for wages of more than โฌ6 million (ยฃ5.4 million), which could prove a problem if he wants to move to Italy.ย Dan Kingย ofย The Sunย previously reported Chinese clubs are willing to pay him significant wages.
The 31-year-old has been a steady presence in Spurs' midfield since moving to the club in 2012. While his contributions often go overlooked, his ability to retain the ball and add some calm to the team are crucial.
He seems to be moving ever closer to the exit door, however, with rumours about his future persisting. With his contract set to expire, he could be in line for a major payday next summer.
It would be a surprise to see Juventus open up their wallet, however. The Italian champions already have a wealth of options in central midfield and only just signed Sami Khedira to a new deal:
The German, Blaise Matuidi and Miralem Pjanic have been favourites under manager Massimiliano Allegri for some time, while Emre Can joined the club in the summer and Rodrigo Bentancur's performance at the FIFA World Cup suggests he's in for a breakout year.
There's also star prospect Rolando Mandragora, who moved to Udineseย in the summer in a deal that includes a buyback clause, perย ESPN FC'sย Ben Gladwell. With so many options to choose from, the Bianconeri are unlikely to spend a large portion of their wage budget on yet another central midfielder who isn't getting any younger.
Belgian players haven't been afraid to make the move to China, even in their primes, with Axel Witsel paving the way and Yannick Carrasco following suit. The transfers haven't affected the international careers of either player, so it's an example Dembele could follow.
An extension with Spurs would also make sense, as they still rely heavily on the controlling midfielder.
