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For the last decade or so, Juventus have rarely ever had a quiet transfer window. Be it high-profile purchases or record sales, the Italian champions have always been heavily involved in the market. They have conducted some of the biggest free transfers in recent times, such as that of Andrea Pirlo, Fabio Cannavaro, Paul Pogba, and a host of star names.
Juventus pulled off what is arguably one of the most significant marquee transfers of the last few years when they purchased Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo for a staggering €117m.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been in majestic touch for the Bianconeri, but their disappointment in Europe has tainted his time in Italy. Their record transfer in 2018 was followed by the €85m deal for an in-demand Matthijs de Ligt in the summer of 2019.
This year is no different as Juventus are in the process of overseeing a radical squad revamp under Andrea Pirlo. The former club legend is set to embark on his maiden managerial journey and has already sanctioned the exits of Blaise Matuidi, Sami Khedira, and €90m man Gonzalo Higuain.
Naturally, they are expected to make a few signings to bolster their options ahead of the 2020/21 campaign and have been linked with a host of stars from all over Europe.
Here, we take a look at how Juventus could potentially line up in the upcoming campaign, including players that they have been strongly linked with.
Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny
There are no significant changes expected to be made in the goalkeeping department ahead of the 2020/21 season as Wojciech Szczesny has proven to be a reliable option for Juventus. The Pole was in fine form in the recently-concluded campaign, registering 11 clean sheets in 29 Serie A games behind a struggling Juve defence.
Gianluigi Buffon is expected to provide cover for the former Arsenal and AS Roma keeper, while Italian international Mattia Perin has rejoined former club Genoa on loan. The Italian suffered due to a lack of game time, and was reportedly on his way out on a permanent deal before joining Genoa on a temporary one.
Also read: 5 Currently active players with most assists in Europe
Defence: Alex Sandro, Lenardo Bonucci, Matthijs de Ligt, Sergino Dest
Stand-in captain Leonardo Bonucci is, in all likelihood, set to retain his spot in the starting XI for the upcoming campaign. Veteran defender Georgio Chiellini's injury-stricken season has seen him miss in excess of 40 games for the Bianconeri in the 2019/20 campaign. Bonucci and Dutch star Matthijs de Ligt are likely to begin the season as first-choice centre-halves.
Alex Sandro was reportedly expected to depart the club amidst Juventus' interest in Atalanta full-back Robin Gosens. However, there has been no further interest reported, and the Manchester United target could end up prolonging his stay in Turin and head into the next season as their go-to left-back.
Right-back was a relatively troubling position for Pirlo's side as Juan Cuadrado, an attacker by trade, has been shoe-horned into the slot in 2019/20. Specialist right-back Danilo has failed to make the spot his own due to his inconsistent performances, leading to just 16 Serie A starts last year.
Reports have suggested that Ajax starlet Sergino Dest could be the man to solve Juve's issues at right-back, and that the Italians have already initiated contact over a move. Should they acquire Dest, the 19-year-old American could provide a long-term solution for their defence.
Midfield: Arthur Melo, Rodrigo Bentancur, Houssem Aouar
Arthur Melo was unveiled as a Juventus player as part of one of the most controversial deals of the summer. Barcelona approached the Italian champions for their veteran midfielder Miralem Pjanic, and Juve requested for the Brazilian to go the other way. The Old Lady ultimately parted ways with the Bosnian for Arthur, who is set to feature in this new-look Italian midfield.
South American midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is likely to play as a foil for the metronomic former Barca star. Bentancur has been an impressive performer in the heart of Juve's midfield. The all-action Uruguayan will be tasked with doing the dirty work and winning the ball back in the middle of the pitch, and is likely to be the primary source of energy in the middle of the park.
Amidst the host of midfielders linked with Juventus, one player who appears to have caught their eye in particular is Houssem Aouar of Olympique Lyon. The French star was one of the most impressive young players in the recently-concluded UEFA Champions League campaign. He was the Man of the Match during Juve's encounter with Les Gones back in February.
Aouar, a creative midfielder by trade, will undoubtedly add a level of incision to their midfield. The Lyon star impressed with his knack of progressing the ball and being able to resist opposition press with his silky dribbling ability. The 22-year-old averaged a staggering 4.4 dribbles per 90 in the UCL and was pivotal to their run to the semi-final.
Also read: 10 Highest paid players in Serie A
Attack: Paulo Dybala, Luis Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo
Despite the transfer rumours that surrounded Paulo Dybala last summer and the year before, the Argentine remained at the club and went on to enjoy a surreal season in Italy. Dybala registered 17 goals and eight assists across all competitions for the Bianconeri this year, helping them to their ninth successive Scudetto.
The Serie A MVP is undoubtedly going to play a crucial role in the final third for Pirlo's Juventus. Dybala could slot in as a floating presence behind a stellar strike partnership of Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona veteran Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan legend is said to be on his way out of the Nou Camp as he has been deemed surplus requirements by new manager Ronald Koeman. With the Dutchman targeting Memphis Depay and already claiming that Antoine Griezmann has to be played in his preferred position, Suarez is no longer an unsellable asset for Barcelona.
The 33-year-old could be available on a free, and unsurprisingly, Juventus have been tipped as his next destination. Although he has been far from his absolute best in recent times, Suarez still is capable of the spectacular if used sparingly. The 21-goal striker could form a deadly partnership with his former rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, at the tip of the Bianconeri's attack.
Ronaldo is fresh off a historic 37-goal season for the record Italian champions, and is set to lead their charge for domestic and, more importantly, continental honours. A strike pair as experienced as the two LaLiga Santander legends could be a devastating prospect for opposing defences.
It is important to note that Juventus have also been linked with a move for Roma frontman Edin Dzeko, who could be an alternative to Suarez.
Also read: 5 Greatest career achievements of Cristiano Ronaldo
Alternatives
There are several players who could be switched out from this XI at various points in the campaign. This could differ from game to game based on injuries, suspensions, workload management, and varying tactical setups. Thankfully for Juventus, they have the luxury to call upon several established stars as well as exciting talents from their bench.
Here are some key alternatives that Juventus have at their disposal to shake up the XI should the need arise.
Merih Demiral for Leonardo Bonucci
At 33, it would be understandable if Bonucci does not manage to participate in all 38 league games and in other competitions throughout the season. Juventus have a few options available to them, the best of which, arguably, is Merih Demiral. The Turkish defender has the potential to become a titan in defence for the Bianocneri, and would be an excellent deputy to call upon to support De Ligt at the back.
Adrien Rabiot for Houssem Aouar
Former Paris Saint-Germain star Adrien Rabiot moved to Turin on a free transfer last summer, and is an excellent option to call upon. Should Juventus not make a move for Aouar, it is the towering Frenchman who will be expected to start in midfield. Rabiot has, particularly since the lockdown, impressed profoundly with his all-round displays in the middle. He is set to play an important role for Pirlo heading into the 2020/21 campaign.
Weston McKennie for Arthur Melo
Juventus' latest acquisition Weston McKennie will provide them with a vastly different profile. The American's defensive prowess and energy in midfield coupled with his physically imposing stature is sure to add some steel to Juve's midfield. The 22-year-old has impressed profoundly with his displays for Schalke. He could either close out games in place of Arthur or could be preferred to the Brazilian in a crunch fixture where the Bianconeri need additional defensive cover.
Aaron Ramsey for Paulo Dybala
Although Aaron Ramsey hasn't had the best of debut campaigns for Juventus, there is little doubt over his quality as an all-action midfielder. The Welshman's movement in the final third and eye for goal make him a valuable asset to any team, and the fact that they can call him on to change a game speaks volumes of Juve's depth in the area. He could slot in behind the striker(s) as an alternative option, which could even see Dybala promoted higher up to partner Ronaldo in attack.
Dejan Kulusevski for Luis Suarez
For all his prowess, it is no secret that Suarez is no longer the menacing, tireless attacker that he once was. It would be difficult to envisage him playing a major chunk of Juventus' fixtures should he move to Italy, and will need to be rested from time to time. Dejan Kulusevski, who spent the last six months on loan at Parma, is the ideal option to spark a change in system.
The Swedish winger is one of the most exciting young attackers in Italy, having scored and assisted 19 goals in 36 games. Kulusevski could slot in on either flank and allow Ronaldo to drift infield and play centrally. They also have Federico Bernardeschi and Douglas Costa to call upon and operate on the sides.
Also read: 5 Transfers which changed football
