Multiple Italian sources are now reporting that Juventus are in the race to sign Roma ace Miralem Pjanic by triggering his release clause to fend off interest from Chelsea, PSG, Bayern and Manchester City.
The midfield metronome, after playing a stellar season for the Lupi, has been the centre of transfer speculation along with his midfield partner Nainggolan. Chelsea seemed to have been hot on Pjanic’s tail after sources reported Conte, who’s set to take over Stamford Bridge after the Euros, to be an ardent admirer of the midfielder.
The situation at the club
Sabatini, in an exclusive interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, said that the capital club is likely to retain their prized asset. “Not Radja, he wants to stay. In fact, perhaps neither of them,” he said when asked about the midfield duo. “If I can manage a certain move I’m planning, then maybe we can keep them both”. (via FootballItalia)
Pjanic is tied to Roma with a contract that expires in 2018 but with a trigger clause of 38 million euros which Juventus is all set to meet, according to Calciomercato as well as Gazzetta dello Sport.
Balancing the book
Italian sources further speculate that Roma is looking to balance the books by cashing in on one of their midfielders. Both Nainggolan and Pjanic are highly sought after commodities in world football, with numerous clubs after them. But if Roma directors are to be believed, then its unlikely that both of them will be sold together.
Replacements
Roma already have a formidable midfield especially with Kevin Strootman finally returning to action after his two year long injury. Roma also own Leandro Paredes who has been having a good season at Empoli under Marco Giampaolo. He looks set for a return but is still perhaps not first team quality. The Giallorossi are looking at Bologna’s Guinea born midfielder Diawara who’s priced at 10 million euros to replace Nainggolan, should the Belgian pack his bags for England next season.
Pjanic for Juventus?
The Bosnian playmaker is exactly what the Old Lady misses in midfield after Anrea Pirlo left for America. His composure, range of passing, vision and long range shots is exactly what Juventus needs if they want to compete at the highest levels. With Allegri reportedly keen on Pjanic this move is necessary for Juventus especially with Marchisio set to miss out the first two months of next season.
