Chelsea have seen their £17 million bid for Claudio Marchisio knocked back by Juventus but reports claim the Serie A heavyweights could accept a £25 million offer
According to The Sun, Chelsea have made their first summer move to reinforce their midfield, with a £17 million bid tabled to Juventus for Claudio Marchisio. The Turin-based outfit, though, have knocked the bid back swiftly, but Chelsea are believed to be closing in on the Italian midfielder.
As per the report, Antonio Conte is keen for a reunion with Claudio Marchisio, who could be deemed surplus to requirements at the Juventus Stadium as Massimiliano Allegri seeks to revamp his midfield in the summer. The Juventus boss has just signed an extension at the club and is likely to rebuild the squad to make them an even better contender for European honours.
And, despite the initial bid being rejected, Chelsea have been encouraged to go back in again and are confident of agreeing a deal for Claudio Marchisio, who, despite being a one-club man up until now, could be encourage to seek newer pastures after seeing his playing time diminished this season – Marchisio has featured in just 15 Serie A games this campaign.
Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio, 31, from Juventus in the summer. (Sun)
— George I. Essien (@mightygeorgeng) April 28, 2017
Marchisio: #CFC pic.twitter.com/ogISb0xrSM
— Dan ? (@COYB_) April 28, 2017
Marchisio has been used mostly from the bench this season and with Juventus eyeing a move for Federico Bernardeschi, who is likely to cost £40 million or more, Marchisio’s sale could aid in the transfer pursuit while also freeing up space in the squad for potential summer arrivals.
There are rumours that Juventus would be willing to do a deal at around £25 million – a figure Chelsea are unlikely to have problems matching if it helps them secure Marchisio’s services. Marchisio could be the perfect holding midfielder to partner N’Golo Kante in the middle of the park.
Add to that the European experience that the Italian would add to the squad as Chelsea prepare for Champions League football next campaign, and the Blues’ hierarchy are likely to give Conte what he wants, after a stellar debut managerial campaign in the Premier League so far.
There is also talk of Juventus being likely to insert a buy-back clause in the transfer, something which is unlikely to deter Chelsea’s intent on signing the player. The move looks realistic and one that neither party will have too much issues with. And it looks more and more likely that we will be seeing Marchisio strut his stuff in England next campaign.
