With a number of big-name players set to depart their clubs on free transfers next summer, here’s a quick look at some of the potential Juventus targets for 2018.
The following players can sign pre-contracts in 6 weeks:
Messi, Alexis, Mata, Goretzka, Özil, Balotelli, De Vrij, Ghoulam, Giménez, Can, Meyer, Shaw, Blind, Wilshere, Ribery, Juanfran, Fellaini, Miranda, Robben, Subotić, Özyakup, Bernard, Chiellini, Barkley. #BosmanBargains
— Messi Minutes (@MessiMinutes) November 18, 2017
First on the list and probably the most likely target for Juventus is Emre Can. The German international has been a consistent performer for Liverpool this season but has yet to agree a contract extension with the Reds. Can can sign a pre-contract agreement with another team in the coming weeks when the January transfer window opens and Juve have made no secret of their pursuit of the 23-year over the last few years.
Juventus director Beppe Marotta confirmed the Bianconeri were monitoring Can’s situation at the end of the summer and went a step further last week declaring that Juve were still interested in the player, but any potential deal would depend on the will of the player.
Alongside Can, Juve have been linked with another German starlet: Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka who is in the last year of his contract with Die Knappen.
Reports in Germany suggested a move to Bayern Munich was all but a formality in July, however a deal failed to materialise. The 22-year-old is now one of the most coveted players in Europe with Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all rumoured to be interested in acquiring his services.
Despite the strong competition, Marotta included Goretzka alongside Can in the list of players the Bianconeri are monitoring, suggesting that the players decision will be decisive in agreeing any deal.
The Bianconeri have been in muddling form of late, conceding goals with alarming frequency. A move for a new centre-back next summer could be on the cards and there are two prime candidates for Juventus.
First-up, Lazio centre-back Stefan de Vrij who has enjoyed a strong start to the Serie A campaign, scoring 2 goals in 11 performances. The Dutch defender is seen as an ideal candidate given his relatively young age combined with 4 seasons in Italy where he’s been a mainstay in the Lazio back-line.
Juventus are expected to battle Liverpool for a number of players, including Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam. The 26-year-old Algerian international is once again seen as an ideal candidate for Juve, given he’s available on a free transfer and can boast 5 seasons of Serie A experience. Calciomercato and a number of other Italian outlets suggest Juve may beat their rivals in the race to sign Ghoulam and have reportedly initiated contacted with the players represntatives.
