Juventus Transfers: Are we close to solving the Locatelli & Dybala sagas?

We’re nearly halfway through August and Paulo Dybala’s contract situation is still resolved, while Manuel Locatelli is still a Sassuolo player.

Let me say it again, PAULO’S DYBALA CONTRACT SITUATION IS STILL UNRESOLVED AND MANUEL LOCATELLI IS STILL A SASSUOLO PLAYER. Serie A starts next week!

Juventus are fumbling these situations like a prime Brett Favre, although the club has proved incredibly efficient at arranging seemingly meaningless meetings. So there is that, I suppose.

Nevertheless, while Juve have moved at the pace a 34-year-old Andrea Pirlo used to waltz around the field in regard to closing deals for both players, recent reports suggest that some progress has been made on both fronts, with deals potentially being struck soon.

So, what’s the latest? Let’s take a look.

Paulo Dybala

Massimiliano Allegri is desperate to oversee a Dybala resurgence following an injury-ridden 2020/21. The returning boss wants La Joya to emerge as the main man in his second project at the club and it’s pretty remarkable that the hierarchy are yet to strike an agreement with the Argentine and his entourage.

However, Jorge Antun’s mandatory ten-day quarantine after arriving from Argentina has delayed proceedings. So, we’ll cut Juve some slack there.

Pavel Nedved and Federico Cherubini did eventually meet agent Antun and Dybala’s manager Carlos Novel in Turin on Saturday in what was described as an “introductory meeting” by various reporters. According to Romeo Agresti, another “positive” meeting took place on Wednesday with a third meeting scheduled for Saturday.

While it’s frustrating that Dybala, whose contract expires next summer, is yet to put pen to paper, all parties are optimistic of an agreement being reached soon.

Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Juventus are willing to offer La Joya a deal worth around €8m/yr until 2025, with the option of a further year’s extension.

Manuel Locatelli

The financial strains imposed upon Juventus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic means the club have made a meal out of this incredibly simple deal.

Sassuolo have refused to alter their demands for the Bianconeri. They want €35m. No more, no less.

Nevertheless, after several failed meetings, it’s understood that Friday is a crucial day in this incredibly dull transfer saga. Sportitalia (via Football Italia) understand that another meeting has been arranged for that day, with Juve president Andrea Agnelli and CEO Maurizio Arrivabene both set to be present.

It’s understood that the deal could be a loan with an obligation to buy, therefore allowing the Bianconeri to spread the costs over several years. Juve could also include young midfielder Filippo Ranocchia in any potential deal.

There’s a growing sense on the black and white side of Turin that they want to wrap this deal up as soon as possible.