Juventus coach Thiago Motta is studying his options after missing out on Riccardo Calafiori, and this could spell a surprising new position for Manuel Locatelli.
The Italo-Brazil was eager to reunite with his Bologna pupil in Turin, but the Italy international appears to be on his way to North London.
Therefore, the new Bianconeri manager will have to pull off a solution at the back.
But while Gleison Bremer’s place seems assured, Motta would want to have a ball-playing central defender alongside the resolute Brazilian.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Giovanni Albanese, Juventus could try to acquire the services of Jakub Kiwior.
The Pole will likely have less space at Arsenal with Calafiori coming in, so the Bianconeri could attempt to sign him on loan with an option to buy.
The 24-year-old has already played under the guidance of Motta during their time together at Spezia.
Nevertheless, Albanese also mentions several international solutions.
The former Bologna coach could decide to switch Danilo into a defensive playmaker, while he’s also intrigued by Federico Gatti and Tiago Djalo whom he would like to test during pre-season.
Nevertheless, the most eyebrow-raising suggestion is dropping Locatelli to the backline.
The 26-year-old is originally a box-to-box midfielder but Max Allegri deployed him as a Regista who shields the backline over the last three seasons.
But with Douglas Luiz and Khephren Thuram joining the ranks, the Italian could no longer be deemed as an automatic starter in midfield.
Nevertheless, Motta still rates the former Sassuolo star and considers him part of the project, so it remains to be seen if he’ll be looking to test him in unfamiliar territory.
I really hope that Juve can make that last push for Calafiori as he is the man Juve really need. I would forget about Koopmeiners and instead spend the extra trying to secure Calafiori.
I don`t think Bologna will sell to us at any cost, if they really are angry about us `poaching` Motta. Todibo or Kiwior are more realistic, unfortunately, although they look pretty good quality.
I hope it`s not a bad sign that we are experimenting during pre-season to fill roles. Is this another `fresh` start on loose change, or are they serious?
I agree Uncle. Koopmeiners is just too expensive and players who leave Atalanta don’t have a great record away from Gasparini. Calafiori provides Motta more options.
I am not to excited about signing Kiwior. I think maybe that we would instead end up in a situation were Huijsen is retained. He is good with the ball at his feet and he carries the ball forward, features that Motta want from his playmaking defender. So why not retain him, a young player with a higher ceiling. The alternative is to sell Huijsen only to sign someone like Kiwior who we already know what to expect and who`s potential seems rather predictable. Then retain two out of Djalo, Rugani and Gatti.
I agree with you Calafiori over Koop comment and Huijsen comment. 100%