Juventus transfer target Giacomo Raspadori believes that he has the potential to replace Paulo Dybala in Turin, admitting that he’s excited by the Bianconeri’s interest.
Juve are moving on from Dybala at the end of the season after failing to agree to terms over a new contract, and they’ve been linked with several potential replacements. Nicolo Zaniolo, Antony, Angel Di Maria and David Neres are all possibilities for the Bianconeri this summer, but it’s Raspadori who appears destined to be a Juventus player by the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
The young Italian has impressed for Sassuolo this season, scoring nine times and adding five assists in Serie A primarily functioning off target man Gianluca Scamacca.
Giacomo Raspadori discusses Juventus’ interest over potential summer move
The strong candidate to replace Dybala is Raspadori. The alternative is Zaniolo, who’s more a wide player than a trequartista. It will also depend on what Roma are wanting for the player. Di Maria another option, his contract expires this summer.
— JuveFC (@juvefcdotcom) April 22, 2022
(@FabDellaValle / @Gazzetta_it)
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), Raspadori couldn’t hide his excitement regarding Juventus’ interest.
“Juve’s interest makes me proud? Absolutely. I’m happy that my name is being mentioned for a transfer to Juve. My ambition is to get to play there, at that level,” he said.
The Italian international believes he’s ready to make the next step in his career and play in the Champions League, hinting that he’d be a suitable Dybala replacement in Turin.
“Paulo has incredible qualities,” Raspadori adds. “The link-up play is something we have in common. He is really good behind a striker, and I feel at ease in the same position. I have fun.”
While some are concerned over Raspadori’s viability in a 4-3-3 – the formation Juve are poised to transition to next season – there’s no doubting that the crafty forward fits in with the Bianconeri from a character perspective. The Sassuolo star cites Sergio Aguero, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez as his role models due to the garra (grinta) they possessed.
“It’s [garrra] crucial because it helps you to go beyond your limits,” Raspadori believes.
The 22-year-old has a brilliant opportunity to impress his potential future employers on Monday night as Sassuolo host Juventus in Serie A. While his Neroverdi side are set for another mid-table finish, Juve are attempting to hold off Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma and Fiorentina in the top-four race with five games remaining.