Barcelona and Juventus are expected to do business in the summer’s transfer window, but the former’s demands have been flatly rejected by the Bianconeri.
Juventus are interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo in the upcoming transfer window. The Serie A giants are looking to invest in a creative midfielder to bring some shape to their central area and as a result, they have rightly shortlisted the former Gremio superstar for a potential signing in the summer.
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Miralem Pjanic is expected to go the other way, but that deal may either see Arturo Vidal return to his old club or the Catalans pay fully in cash, and as a result, Arthur’s move could have an all-new look. The Brazil international may therefore see the Bianconeri pay 80 million euros for his services or execute another swap deal.
In a bid to offload their player who was touted to be Xavi’s successor, the La Liga giants have asked for Matthijs de Ligt in return, Mundo Deportivo claims. Matthijs de Ligt made a last moment switch to the Allianz Stadium last summer after being widely expected to head to Spain for the entire transfer window.
Despite making an ambitious swoop to one of the world’s best defensive sides, de Ligt seems unsettled and a complete contrast of himself from the Ajax Amsterdam days. Having said that, the Netherlands international has contemplated a Juventus departure just a year after signing on with the Camp Nou on his mind once again.
However, the Serie A leaders have rejected Barca’s approach for their lucrative signing and offered Daniele Rugani in exchange, instead of the Dutchman. What Barca make of this proposal remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a good move from Juve’s side who are allowing de Ligt some more time to prove himself by settling into Turin.
On the other hand, Daniele Rugani has been at the club for much longer without fulfilling expectations and certainly doesn’t have the qualities to succeed Giorgio Chiellini or Leonardo Bonucci when the veteran duo is phased out. Meanwhile, de Ligt was exceptional in his Eredivisie days and also displays brilliant leadership at a young age.
Do you think Juventus must let go of de Ligt after his lacklustre first year at the club?