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Hello and welcome back to the Juventus Transfer News round-up for 23d June 2019. We bring you the top transfer stories of the day involving Juventus and here are our top five picks for today.
Also Read: Juventus News and Transfer: June 19, 2019
#5 Juventus emerge as front runner for Pogba's signature
After days of speculation, it now seems that Manchester United are finally warming up to the idea of selling Paul Pogba. Solskjaer had been desperate to base his rebuilding program around Paul Pogba, but after recent developments, seems to be ready to sell the Frenchman.
There are two reasons for this change of heart. First, Pogba's continued insistence of leaving Old Trafford seems to have convinced the Norwegian that it is no longer possible to hold on to the Frenchman. Pogba has his heart set on a move out of United and has declared so publicly as well.
Real Madrid and Juventus are both in the running for his signature, with Zidane desperate to add the Frenchman to his squad. However, it is understood that the player himself would prefer a move back to Juventus in Serie A, when he had developed into one of the best midfielders in the world.
The second reason for Solskjaer's change of plan is the finances involves. The Norwegian understands that Pogba's sale would generate a lot of money which would help the Red Devils in their rebuilding exercise.
While United are looking increasingly willing to negotiate with both Real Madrid and Juventus, it seems that the Serie A Champions might have the upper edge in this deal. Latest reports indicate that Real Madrid have pulled out of the race to sign Paul Pogba. This is because the Spanish Giants are worried that a deal to sign Pogba could get them into trouble with the FFP restrictions. As such, Juventus are now the clear favourites to sign the Frenchman, however, a deal will not be easy.
The main constraint is the amount of money involved. Manchester United are reportedly looking out for at least €150m, a price Juventus are unwilling to match. A player plus deal looks the most likely, given the Serie A Champions' finances, however, United want a cash only deal so that they can invest on players of their liking.
#4 Sarri might be using Pjanic in the Jorginho role
When Maurizio Sarri was appointed as the new Juventus manager, it was expected that the Italian would shape the Juventus team in his own terms. One of the first things Sarri did after arriving at Stamford Bridge was get his trusted lieutenant Jorginho from Napoli and build Chelsea around him. However, a repeat of the same scenario at Juventus seems unlikely.
Now, Jorginho's agent has come out and said that Sarri needs his former lieutenant at Juventus.
He needs a player like Jorginho to play as he wants. I don't know Juventus' strategies, we'll see.
I know Sarri has just joined Juventus. Paratici will decide what to do. I imagine they are talking about transfer targets. Juventus' director won't call us without calling Chelsea first.
However, a deal for the former Napoli man looks highly unlikely, as Sarri recently revealed in his press conference that he wanted Pjanic to touch the ball 150 times in every game. These are clear indications that Sarri believes Miralem Pjanic is the perfect man to anchor the midfield at Juventus. There are also reports that say the Italian also considers the Bosnian as a superior player to Jorginho and as such, believes that Pjanic can become a vital member of his team.
#3 Rabiot very close to joining Juventus
Adrien Rabiot is very close to joining Juventus, after both he and his mother agreed to the terms of a contract tabled by the Serie A Champions. Unless there are any last minute twists, which would be in line with the Frenchman's reputation, Rabiot will be a Juventus player next season.
The breakthrough arrived after the intervention of Juventus Sporting Director Fabio Paratici, who involved himself personally in the negotiations and managed to convince both the player as well as his mother, who doubles as his agent.
The Frenchman will supposedly earn around £7m a year in wages. Even though his initial wage demands were £10m a year, it seems that Juventus were able to negotiate a deal which suited both parties.
Despite the huge amount of money involved, it is believed that Rabiot's arrival will not have any impact on Juventus' pursuit of Paul Pogba. The Frenchman remains the primary target of the Serie A Champions.
#2 Details of Sarri's meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo revealed
Maurizio Sarri met Cristiano Ronaldo in the Côte d'Azur on Saturday. They were previously scheduled to meet in Greece, however, there was a slight change in plans and the Italian manager met up with his No. 1 star in Ronaldo's luxury yatch. The two had a talk about Sarri's future plans for Juventus and Ronaldo's role in his team.
We revealed earlier that Sarri wants to use Ronaldo centrally in a free role, alongside a free striker or a second striker like Paulo Dybala. Sarri's expected use of Ronaldo certainly puts Mario Mandzukic's role in the team in a jeopardy, however, the new Juventus manager did say in his inaugural press conference that he would assess his players before making any decisions.
I want to know what individuals think about themselves as players, starting from those who can have the most impact on performance and results. Whether tomorrow or in four days I can't say.
On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo insists that booing makes him stronger, saying that it inspiring him to be at his best.
I need to be at my best inside and outside the pitch and we feel well only when we fight against the best. I like strong rivals because they push me to do my best.
Their fans can boo me but I use their boos to improve and become unstoppable
#1 Juventus closing in on a €70m deal for de Ligt
The biggest news of the day involves Matthijs de Ligt and Juventus' never ending pursuit of the Ajax Skipper. After weeks of speculation, it finally seems that all the efforts put in by the Serie A Champions is finally bearing fruit.
Juventus are reportedly close to a €70m deal for the Dutchman, whose future is still in the balance. PSG had emerged as the front runners for his signature in recent weeks, but all that seems to have changed now. Juventus have reportedly convinced de Ligt to make the move to Turin, by offering him a huge contract worth £15-20m a year!
The main reason for this turn around could be the relentless work of the Juventus Sporting Director, Fabio Paratici. Sky Sports Italia have also hinted at growing confidence in the Juventus camp regarding the signing of de Ligt, but have stopped short of confirming a deal.
The final result can be expected in the coming few days, as Paratici steps up his efforts to secure a deal as soon as possible.
