Juventus have reportedly established contact with Manchester United to sign Darmian in the summer.
Italian outlet Calciomercato have reported that Darmian has emerged as a priority target for Juventus, who have made contacts with Manchester United over a move for the versatile defender in the summer transfer window. The Premier League club, though, are unwilling to sell the Italy international.
Darmian moved to Manchester United after four fruitful campaigns with Torino during which he was also widely regarded as one of the best defenders in Italy. His time at Manchester United, though, has been topsy turvy, as after a strong start to his spell at Old Trafford, he filtered in and out of the starting eleven.
2016/17 was another roller coaster of a season for Darmian as after a stuttering start, he ended the campaign on a strong note. In all, the 27-year-old made 29 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils, largely giving a good account of himself at the back.
And it is such strong performances by the player which has tempted Italian champions, Juventus to set their sights on him. Dani Alves is being strongly linked with a summer exit from Turin, with Manchester City and Chelsea vying for his signature.
Recent developments point towards the Brazilian being keen on joining former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola at the Etihad. With Alves set to depart for the Premier League, Stephan Lichtsteiner remains the only recognised option for Massimiliano Allegri to consider for the right side of his side’s defence.
As a result, he has turned his attention towards Darmian who, at 27, will provide his best years to the Bianconeri, thus becoming the ideal solution in defence for them. The move to Turin will also give the player an opportunity to play more regular football than sharing game time at Manchester United.
The Premier League club, however, are unwilling to part ways with the Italy international and have adopted a strict “Not for sale” stance on him, with Jose Mourinho keen on keeping hold of the versatile defender.
It now remains to be seen if Juventus are able to persuade Manchester United to let go of Darmian with a good enough transfer fee. Nevertheless, with Dani Alves’s departure imminent, a right-back is definitely an urgent need of the hour for the Italian champions.
