Rossi to sign this week?
Juventus have made it clear that among their summer signings they plan to spend big on a marquee striker. However, without the promise if Champions League football next season that task can prove difficult. The club have been linked to just about every available striker in Europe, including Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez. But it appears they are closing in on Villareal’s Giuseppe Rossi, another player linked to the Bianconeri for the past few weeks.
Reports suggest the deal could be completed this week, which would give Juve an impressive roster of forwards including Rossi, Fabio Quagliarella, Alessandro Matri, and Alessandro Del Piero, among a host of others.
Chile’s Vidal set for Juve switch?
It is barely hours after Chile’s exit from the Copa America and reports are already surfacing that midfielder Arturo Vidal is being courted by Juventus. Bayer Leverkusen appear open to the possibility of selling the 24 year old, but Juve will have competition from clubs playing the Champions League in the coming season. Chelsea and Arsenal are being linked, as are Napoli.
Amauri and Melo to Make Room for New Signings?
As Juventus players and coaches began their journey across the Atlantic for their tour of the USA, news came from the club that a few players were left behind, leading pundits to ask why. Felipe Melo and Amauri did not make the trip, igniting speculation that the two were on their way out of Turin.
For Amauri to be sold would certainly not be a surprise to anyone, as he has been out of favor for some time now. The club already has plenty of attacking players, and should Rossi sign, Amauri would be at best fifth in the pecking order, probably lower. And if he should leave, fans would likely rejoice rather than complain, so it only makes sense for the Brazilian to be moved.
Melo’s departure would be a bit less obvious. Melo played relatively well last year, at least well enough to be retained by the club. But reports suggest Juventus is ready to sell the Brazilian, especially if they sign Vidal. New coach Antonio Conte may not see a place for Melo in his team, but unlike Amauri, the club won’t feel the need simply to offload him.
Both players are drawing interest from clubs in Brazil. Amauri could likely be had on the cheap, but Melo will demand a decent transfer fee. It remains to be seen if the Old Lady can get a good price.
And Now It’s Time for the Silly Season...
For reasons passing understanding, Juventus is being linked with a move for Manchester United’s winger Antonio Valencia. Now don’t get me wrong, signing the 25 year old Ecuadorian would be a great move for the Bianconeri. But would they really spend the kind of money required to get him? And would Sir Alex really want to sell him? The answer to both questions is likely no.
