Chelsea flop Juan Cuadrado could leave London for Italy as Juventus and Inter Milan are weighing up moves to land the winger. According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, Turin seems to be his likely destination.
Cuadrado’s noteworthy performances for Fiorentina, where he had scored 26 goals in 106 appearances, caught Chelsea’s attention and they signed him in 2015 on a four and a half year deal. However, he failed to impress under Jose Mourinho and was mostly used as a substitute. However, the Colombian’s fortunes turned during his subsequent loan spell at Juventus, where he had some stellar performances in a scudetto winning season.
Former Juventus manager Antonio Conte, who is now at the helm at Chelsea, wants to keep the winger. But after his dismal performance in England, Cuadrado very much prefers a move back to Turin.
Indeed, Italian website calciomercato.com has reported that the player has said yes to a move to the reigning Serie A champions. This transfer would apparently be a loan-deal only, with the option of buying the player permanently at the end of the season.
There is no shortage of wide players in the Chelsea team and with the likes of Pedro Rodriguez and Victor Moses themselves fighting for a starting place, Cuadrado could also find it tough to find sufficient game time. By his standards, the player has largely under-performed in England and it is only natural that he would want to go back to the club where he has tasted success.
Conte, though, had earlier stated that Cuadrado was very much part of his plans at Chelsea and has been training with the players since his return from Juventus.
However, both Inter Milan and Juventus are in the fray for signing the winger as he is still uncertain of the playing time he will get at Chelsea. The clubs are working hard so that a deal can be closed before the transfer deadline.
Cuadrado’s exit will not leave Chelsea short of options for his position as a they have a decent number of quality wingers in the form of Eden Hazard, Willian, Pedro, Moses and, in case of a 3-5-2 formation, Cesar Azpilicueta, who can operate as a wing back.
Juventus themselves have signed Danny Alves and with Cuadrado’s capture, their flanks will be rejuvenated to a large extent.
With Cuadrado gone, it will not make much of a difference to Chelsea, but Juventus will certainly get a boost in their attacking prowess.
