Nicolo Savona’s breakthrough season, switching from Serie C to the Italian top tier this term, has attracted a plethora of admirers with Bayer Leverkusen and AFC Bournemouth showing serious interest.
The 22-year-old, a product of the Juventus Next Gen academy, was promoted to the senior side last August when Thiago Motta was head coach. Savona’s impressive Serie C season last term saw him feature in 41 matches with two goals.
He appeared as a half-time substitute in the 3-0 home win over Como on Juve’s opening day of the current campaign. Savona bettered that on his debut as a starter for Juventus, by scoring during the 3-0 triumph at Hellas Verona.
Primarily utilized at right-back, Savona has also featured at center-back and as a right midfielder. His dogged displays in a Juve jersey have recently earned call-ups to the Italy national team under chief Luciano Spalletti.
Juventus are reluctant to sell Savona, unless there is a significant offer tabled in the region of €30 million (US$34.1m). Sidelined for three matches with a thigh strain, he was on the bench for Igor Tudor’s first match at the helm.
Out of favor
Savona, who has made 24 Serie A appearances, has been subjected to bit-part roles under interim head coach Tudor. He was a late substitute against AS Roma and Lecce with just 15 minutes so far to show his silky skills.
As Leverkusen’s Frimpong is attracting keen interest from Liverpool and Manchester United for a summer move, the German Bundesliga champions have targeted Savona as his potential replacement.
Bournemouth are also a possible club for Savona. The English team got a bargain deal from Juve last July when Motta allowed center-back Dean Huijsen to join them for just €15.2m (US$15.7m), with up to €3m (US$3.1m) in bonuses.
It was a surprise that the teenager was shifted on as Juve had already refused to sell Huijsen to AS Roma. Bournemouth are biting at the bit to pounce for another cheap buy from the Turin titans, having recently made inquiries about Savona.
Savona choice
Yet the final decision lies with Savona, who has been at Juventus since 2011. His Bianconeri contract expires in four years, although at the moment there’s uncertainty about who will be the Juve head coach next season.
It appears that Savona will be constantly overlooked by Tudor for his 3-4-2-1 tactical system should the Croatian stay. Savona is renowned for being able to take on opponents and surge forward when playing in midfield, which he has yet to do under Tudor.
The youngster has at least been provided with a choice of possible escape routes. Although Juve are understandably cautious, following Motta’s carefree attitude of offloading players who have since proved him wrong about their top-flight ability.