Juventus Transfers: Rodrigo De Paul is a fine signing at the right price

Juventus are looking for another impact midfielder, and Rodrigo De Paul has emerged as a logical signing.

Earlier this summer. Juventus traded Miralem Pjanic to FC Barcelona for 23-year-old center midfielder Arthur Melo. In Rodrigo Bentancur and Arthur, Juve could have two great midfielders for years to come, but new manager Andrea Pirlo, a legendary midfielder himself, knows the team needs more help.

That’s why the Bianconeri are still being linked to midfielders, including those as lofty as Paul Pogba. But in this economy, signings like Pogba are unrealistic. Udinese star Rodrigo De Paul, however, is a valid transfer option for the Old Lady of Turin.

According to a report from Corriere Torino, via JuveFC.com, Juventus were interested in De Paul before Pirlo became the manager. And now, Gianluca Di Marzio is reporting that the Bianconeri remain in pursuit of the 26-year-old mezzala who wears the No. 10.

If Juve sign De Paul as a mezzala, then that means they have Bentancur earmarked as the regista with Arthur on the other side of him. It’s a risk to roll with Bentancur as a regista, but it could pay off for Pirlo if his passing continues to develop.

Rodrigo De Paul is one of Serie A’s best midfielders

As for De Paul, there is no disputing that he is a wonderful player. He has been a superstar for Udinese and is coming off another grand season. De Paul scored seven goals with six assists in the 2019-2020 Serie A season. Per WhoScored.com, he added 2.3 key passes per game, drew 2.2 fouls per game, and completed nearly two dribbles per game.

Essentially, De Paul can do it all. He scores goals, he sets up teammates, and he can take the fight to the opposition. De Paul would be a huge boost to Juve’s attack, given his ability to create for others. The Bianconeri desperately need that kind of talent.

But De Paul won’t come cheap. Udinese value him highly, and he is entering the prime years of his career. The earlier report from Corriere Torino put his value at 35 to 40 million euros, and that’s a steep price for Juventus to pay in this economy.

De Paul is worth it, and I must make that clear. But Juventus have so many needs. They want a new left back, more defensive depth, a new striker, a new wide forward, and, yes, midfield help. Swap deals can benefit them, but the swap deals will be lopsided to where they must add cash. So they have to keep in mind balancing all these needs.

However, if Juventus can bring down De Paul’s asking price or find a player Udinese value enough in a swap, then they should make something happen. De Paul has a lot to offer Juve’s midfield and could be a missing piece with plenty of Serie A experience.