Juventus eye five candidates as Sanchez alternatives.
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Juventus could be set to target moves for key players at Chelsea and Manchester United after Arsenal beat them to the signing of Alexis Sanchez yesterday, CaughtOffside understands.
The Italian giants are known to be in the market for new attacking midfield players this summer as they look to strengthen their squad for an attempt at a fourth straight Serie A title win, as well as an improvement in the Champions League.
Money could be raised by the sales of big names such as Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal, both of whom are being linked with some of the biggest clubs around Europe after their superb displays in the Italian top flight in recent times, which would pave the way for Juve to bring in some high-quality new signings of their own. This had been the club’s plan in their attempts to sign Sanchez from Barcelona, but a delay in potential deals for Vidal to join Manchester United or Pogba to move to Chelsea meant they couldn’t meet the Catalans’ asking price in time.
Five main targets are believed to have been shortlisted by Juventus and manager Antonio Conte, as listed below.
5) Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain)
A talented and experienced winger, Ezequiel Lavezzi could be up for sale this summer after somewhat struggling to find his best form since his big move to Ligue 1 in 2012. Formerly a star of Serie A with Napoli, Lavezzi could welcome the chance to return to Italy this summer, with Juventus known to be long-time admirers of his. A similarly creative, skillful and versatile player to Sanchez, Lavezzi could be a very useful signing for Antonio Conte for next season, and possibly available for as little as £20m. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the 29-year-old in recent times, and his future could be resolved after his participation in this weekend’s World Cup final, where he will hope to help Argentina to victory over Germany.
4) Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina)
One of the best wingers in Serie A in 2013/14, Juan Cuadrado has been in the headlines recently after his fine performances for Colombia at the 2014 World Cup, where he shone as one of the stand-out players of the tournament alongside his international team-mate James Rodriguez. Juventus have been one of many clubs linked with him in recent times, along with other big names such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona. Cuadrado certainly looks ready to make the step up to a bigger club this summer, and would fit in well in Turin where he could really establish himself as one of the best players in Europe.
3) Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid)
Juventus are possibly set to join the chase for in-demand Atletico Madrid winger Arda Turan. The Turkish international was a key player for Diego Simeone’s side as they so impressively won La Liga and reached the Champions League final in 2013/14, but he could now be one of many players set to be leave the Vicente Calderon as Europe’s elite look to poach their big names. Turan could do a similar job to Sanchez on the flanks for Juve, providing goals and assists as well as a touch of flair and class that can make all the difference in the big games. Premier League clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are also known to be monitoring his situation this summer.
2) Nani (Manchester United)
A player who has been far from at his best for some time now, but one who remains on Juventus’ radar as they look for attacking reinforcements this summer. The inconsistent Portuguese international has certainly shown what he can do when on top form during his time at Old Trafford, and a move to a new club could be just what he needs to revive his career, with Serie A perhaps a wise destination for him due to the slower pace of the games in Italy. At the moment, not a player of the same quality as Sanchez, but still one worth considering for Antonio Conte’s side.
1) Oscar (Chelsea)
In what would be a somewhat surprise move, Juventus could launch a big-money bid for Chelsea playmaker Oscar. The Brazilian has become a top class attacking midfielder in his time at Stamford Bridge, becoming a regular for his national side and one of few players to emerge with a great deal of credit after their disappointing performances at this summer’s World Cup. Although it would no doubt take the sale of Vidal or Pogba to help Juve to afford Oscar, it could be that they will step up their interests in the 22-year-old in the coming months if they cannot find more affordable targets. A highly skillful and creative player with an eye for goal, Oscar would certainly help ease the pain of missing out on Sanchez.
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