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Juventus Transfers: Ligue 1 trio lined-up as Locatelli alternatives

By James Cormack

METZ, FRANCE - APRIL 09: Renato Sanches of Lille walks in the field during the Ligue 1 match between FC Metz and Lille OSC at Stade Saint-Symphorien on April 9, 2021 in Metz, France. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Getty Images)
METZ, FRANCE - APRIL 09: Renato Sanches of Lille walks in the field during the Ligue 1 match between FC Metz and Lille OSC at Stade Saint-Symphorien on April 9, 2021 in Metz, France. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Getty Images) /
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With Juventus’ pursuit of Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli stuttering, the Bianconeri have conjured up a contingency plan. Ligue 1 duo Bruno Guimarães and Aurélien Tchouaméni are being considered as potential alternatives, while Lille’s Renato Sanches has reportedly been offered to the club.

Locatelli remains Juve’s priority this summer, but the club’s financial woes have meant they’re yet to match Sassuolo’s €35m asking price. A fourth meeting between the two clubs has been scheduled for this weekend, with Juve still optimistic of striking a deal.

Arsenal are also keen on Locatelli and have matched Sassuolo’s valuation, but the player only wants Juventus.

However, as time ticks on, the once implausible possibility of the Locatelli not joining Juve this summer is starting to feel like a disappointing reality. Nevertheless, the club reportedly has a plan in place should an agreement failed to be reached over the next few days.

The alternatives

According to Tuttosport (via Calciomercato), 21-year-old Monaco sensation Aurélien Tchouaméni is strongly being considered in Turin as an alternative to Locatelli. Gianluca Di Marzio adds that Juve are evaluating the player, with the club intrigued by his quality.

The Frenchman enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Ligue 1 last season and has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting midfield prospects.

Chelsea have been strongly linked with the Monaco man, who is capable of playing as a number six and eight.

Lyon’s Bruno Guimarães is another name who’s being considered. The Brazilian has gone from strength to strength after joining the club in January 2020, starring in the French club’s round of 16 Champions League triumph over Juve two seasons ago. However, the 23-year-old is said to be “non-transferable” this summer.

Renato links

While Renato Sanches is far from regista profile Juventus desire, his explosive skill set and freakish ability meant he was someone I believed the club should target anyway after an impressive Euro 2020.

Following their Ligue 1 triumph, Lille have been keen to offload some of their stars this summer. Boubakary Soumare and Mike Maignan have both departed for relatively small fees, and it’s understood the French champions would be happy to see the back of Sanches should the right offer come in (around €35m).

Sport Mediaset reports that the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has been offering his client around to several top European clubs, one of which is Juventus. However, considering the Portuguese’s profile, it’s highly unlikely that Juve will pursue a deal despite Tuttosport (via JuveFC) reporting that he’s a player they most certainly admire.

Sanches is a player they’d like to bring in alongside Locatelli, but they currently don’t have the financial luxury to do so.

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