Juventus are investing in young talent this summer, and a Chelsea teenager could be on their shortlist.
Despite being linked to older strikers like Olivier Giroud, Edin Dzeko, and Luis Suarez, Juventus have been spending the majority of their time analyzing and signing young players. They have added Arthur Melo from Barcelona and signed Weston McKennie on loan from Schalke, in the hopes he can be a breakout star this season.
The Bianconeri haven’t ignored young players in the attack either. In addition to already having forwards Marko Pjaca and Dejan Kulusevski, Juventus have been linked to a reunion with Moise Kean and are now reportedly interested in a 19-year-old winger from Chelsea.
According to a report from Sky Sports Germany, Juventus have shown interest in Callum Hudson-Odoi, who was one of the most highly-rated prospects in the Premier League after the 2018-2019 season.
Hudson-Odoi was a Europa League star that year when Chelsea won the competition, scoring four goals with two assists in 417 minutes. Last season, he quietly had five assists for the Blues, though he found it difficult to obtain playing time.
Juventus would have a real shot at Callum Hudson-Odoi
The Chelsea project has added three legitimate stars in Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, and Hakim Ziyech this summer, so space is now thin for Hudson-Odoi. With the right offer, Juventus could make this deal happen.
But it won’t be easy. Bayern Munich signed long-time target and German international Leroy Sane from Manchester City this summer for cheap, but they are still interested in Hudson-Odoi. They were heavily linked to the England international in 2019 before Die Roten ultimately decided to go with the cheapest option, acquiring Ivan Perisic on loan. And they won the treble. But now, Perisic is back at Inter after the Nerazzurri asked for too high of a price from Bayern.
Sky Sports Germany also states that another big club in the Bundesliga, the dangerous RB Leipzig, have shown interest in the player. Julian Nagelsmann doesn’t have the same financial resources as Juve or Bayern, but Leipzig have money and aren’t afraid to spend it on ascending talents like Hudson-Odoi.
Juventus should pursue Hudson-Odoi, but it may be difficult to convince him and Chelsea. Still, due diligence is smart, and Juve need to keep investing in youth this year.