The upcoming summer transfer window is going to play a crucial role in unfolding a panorama of what the future might look like for Juventus and their manager Andrea Pirlo.
Following an early elimination from this season’s Champions League, dejection and exasperation have started creeping into the minds of the Piedmontese enthusiasts. Fortitude amongst the suitors has started to get tested.
And should Juve, led by their favourite Il Maestro, fail to win the Scudetto this season (which seems to be the most likely scenario at this moment), things could soon start to go south. Hence, the summer transfer window could help alleviate the crunch.
A reasonable number of decent additions in the summer might incite the Juventus fans to look forward rather than reminiscing the dull memories of the past.
Gabriel Menino has reportedly caught the eyes of Juventus
According to a fresh report from a Spanish outlet in Mundo Deportivo, Juventus are the latest European side to have registered their interest in the Palmeiras midfielder Gabriel Menino.
The likes of Atlético de Madrid and Chelsea are already in the fray, with the Brazilian side intending to sell their aspiring star this summer.
The abovementioned report has claimed that an admirer of the player could sign the asset for a transfer fee of around €20 million this summer despite the 20-year-old holding out a €60 million buy-out clause in his current contract with Palmeiras.
At the age of 20, Menino has already played around 60 matches for the São Paulo-based club. His abilities and style of play draw comparisons with former Barcelona and Manchester City star Yaya Toure. As a consequence, he is also famous amongst his followers by the nickname — “Brazilian Yaya Toure”.
A versatile midfielder by trade, Menino possesses the ability to play as a right-back according to various circumstances. His surging runs from either midfield or the right flank create dilemmas for the opposing sides.
And considering how good he is with the ball on his feet, he would be an invaluable acquisition, especially for Pirlo’s Bianconeri side.
Pirlo’s fondness toward 4-4-2 formation would suit Menino, with the Morungaba-born capable of playing as a wide midfielder as well as a right-back.
However, his age could be a significant factor as to why he might not get included in the Old Lady’s senior squad right away.
Juve could not rely on youngsters to put in awe-inspiring performances week in, week out. Nevertheless, Menino would be a decent reinforcement for Juve’s future developments.