Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has lauded Roma playmaker Miralem Pjanic, but has denied contacting him about a move to Turin.
The Bosnian international is likely to be in high demand this summer after another impressive campaign in the Italian capital has seen him register 12 goals and 13 assists in 41 appearances in all competitions.
While he is seemingly a big part of Luciano Spalletti’s plans moving forward, it hasn’t stopped speculation linking him with a move to either Juve or Chelsea this summer.
Allegri is known to be an admirer of the former Lyon star’s talents, while from Chelsea’s perspective, it has been reported on countless occasions that Pjanic will be amongst incoming boss Antonio Conte’s primary targets, as noted by Sky Sports.
Roma were forced into issuing a statement over the weekend denying reports that Juve had met the player’s release clause, while rumours suggested that Allegri had personally contacted the 26-year-old to persuade him to join the Serie A champions.
However, in a boost for Chelsea’s hopes of signing Pjanic, the Italian tactician has denied the story and slammed suggestions that he would be that unprofessional.
“He is one of the best players in Europe,” he told Sky Sport Italia, as noted by La Gazzetta dello Sport. “There are reports that I called him, but I would never call a player that belongs to another team.
“I’ve never done that and it’s upsetting that was written about me.”
Assuming Conte is still hoping to acquire the creative ace this summer, the confirmation that Juve aren’t close to reaching a deal will come as a boost to him.
Given his influence and creative spark in the final third, Pjanic would be a welcome addition to any top side in Europe, but it remains to be seen if he can be convinced to leave Rome behind.
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