Juventus reportedly eyeing two possible Gianluigi Buffon replacements

Juventus fans may be saying farewell to two club legends this summer, as the futures of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and center back Giorgio Chiellini are uncertain.

With Chiellini, the issue is injury. But in Buffon’s case, he may be looking for a new challenge in pursuit of a Champions League trophy. Recall that he played for PSG a couple of years ago yet was still ultimately unsuccessful in his quest for the elusive trophy.

According to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Calciomercato.com, Juventus have identified two players they’d like to sign this summer if Gianluigi Buffon were to decide to join another club or even retire.

The first is Genoa’s Mattia Perin, who is on loan from Juventus. He is in his second season with Genoa and has played over 2,000 minutes in Serie A this season.

Either Mattia Perin or Emil Audero would be decent signings for Juventus

Perin would fit in nicely as a clear backup to Wojciech Szczesny. Per the report, Juventus merely want a backup and someone who will not put pressure on their No. 1. Szczesny is the clear best keeper in Serie A, so they do not need to aim too high.

Juve’s other option in goal as Buffon’s backup replacement? 24-year-old Sampdoria keeper Emil Audero. Born in Sampdoria and a recent Italy U21 national team player, Audero also has a tight link with Juventus as Perin.

He was a Juve youth player from 2008 to 2016 before being called up as a backup, making one appearance. Audero was loaned out to Venezia and then Sampdoria, with the other big club in Genoa picking up his option to buy for 20 million euros.

Audero is having a decent season despite playing behind a really poor defense. He is one of 11 Serie A goalkeepers with a save percentage greater than 70, according to FBRef.com.

Either keeper could work for Juve, but the determining factor between them would be availability and price. But before worrying about who is the better fit, we have to wait and see what Buffon’s decision is. If he wants to stay, there is no doubt that he is the best option for the job. He is a great leader and remains effective in goal as Szczesny’s No. 2.

For now, though, Juventini can keep an eye on Perin and Audero, particularly the latter. His performances will be interesting to track at Sampdoria, given his youth and the fact that he may be on the Bianconeri’s backup shortlist.