Reports emerging from Italy suggest that Juventus have agreed a deal for Atalanta centre-back Mattia Caldara.
Gazzetta dello Sport reported earlier today that Juve Director Beppe Marotta would be meeting with Atalanta officials regarding the 22-year-old.
The player previously admitted that interest from the Bianconeri was a compliment.
“It is flattering to hear that, but the credit goes to Atalanta and Gasperini, who really believed in me,” Caldara told La Gazzetta dello Sport a few days ago.
“Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are the defenders we youngsters look up to, as I think they are the best pure defenders in the game.
“I like the way they play and their mentality, always determined to win and get even stronger. Juve are the best side in Serie A, but Roma have great players too.
“My idol was Alessandro Nesta, but I am not kidding myself, as even if on paper Milan don’t have the champions they once did, they still play good football and it’ll be tough for us.”
Sky Sport Italia’s transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio is now reporting that a deal has been agreed for €20m plus bonuses (€15m transfer fee and a further €5m in bonuses).
An announcement confirming the deal could come as early as January however the player is expected to remain at Atalanta until at least Summer 2017/18.
12 Comments
This could be a hell of a coup – The interes in Kessie has apparently waned, however Caldara is apparently a done deal while Gagliardini is another player we’re looking closely at.
Love this kind of move – secure the player now, leave him to develop while playing regularly and bring him in at some stage where he can still learn from BBC and become a future CB alongside Rugani.
More than the attack or midfield, the defence is always my biggest worry – When we have a poor back line, scoring no longer matters. This has been our strength these last 5 years – Conte new it and he addressed it right away – Allegri bought in cover with Benatia and gave Rugani the chance to develop. Strong back line = Strong Juventus, every single time. Start from the back and work forwards – A young CB signing is more exciting to me than any fancy midfielder.
Great work, lets hope we hear more in the coming days
Is Caldara coming in June 2017 or 2018? Benatia is serving his role of a 5th choice CB pretty well, but maybe its best for both parties if he we don’t purchase him outright. He’s good enough to start for every other Serie A team. I think it would be better to have Caldara come in and learn from Barzagli and Chiellini while they are still playing, not to mention Bonucci and even Rugani as well.
Sounds like it could be as far away as 2018, depends on what happens to our back line in the interim. I would love us to sign Benatia but like you said, he’s a starting CB anywhere else in the world. I think he;ll go back to Bayern then get sold, probably to another Italian side.
Caldara might be better developed staying at Atalanta or going out on loan. I get the sense we’re developing close ties with them, given the talent they have.
I reckong a CB like Caceres is the kind of player we need for the bench. Someone content to get paid and come on in the 75th minute when we have won a match – A young Cb needs to be playign every week.
Well said, my friend…And Rugani is a prime example. The more he plays the quicker he develops. We have changed somewhat over the last few years, rather than have most our potential future stars in Serie B, we have moved to field them in the top flight and to purchase them in the top flight, leave them be to continue blossoming, bring them in when there is a good chance they will play. That is the method of a top club.
Marotta has just all-but-confirmed the deal comrade ! Good times ahead and more superb businehss by messrs Paratici and Marotta
Another question when does Juve play against Crotone?
it’s being rearranged but not sure on the date yet – i think we will hear this week.
Side note – I’m trying to put together a top 10 moments list for 2016 – only got 7 so far but i wanted to hear other peoples thoughts – I’ll try and put it into an article or something and we can discuss 2016 there.
Bonucci volley vs Napoli was right up there for me. Also Alvaro’s last goal for us was a big moment.
Pipitas Goal against Torino.
The resounding victory over Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana 😉
Sounds like we are also seriously interested in Gagliardini – He had a half-decent game tonight but missed a few easyish chances.
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