Juventus have reportedly set their sights on Fabinho, and are set to challenge Manchester United to the signature of the AS Monaco star
According to a report by Italian publication Calciomercato, Fabinho is being targeted by Juventus for a move next summer, with the Italian champions keen on reinforcing their midfield. Manchester United are also interested in signing the AS Monaco man, after tailing him in the summer as well.
Fabinho’s career has been on a constant upward trajectory since he joined AS Monaco from Rio Ave in 2013, initially on a loan deal before making the move permanent two years later. Since his move to Stade Louis II, the player has established himself as a mainstay in the first-team setup.
In particular, he has been quite impressive with his versatility – the Brazilian can play equally adeptly as a midfielder as well as a right-back – and his set-piece ability. And the 24-year-old was a vital cog for the principality club as they stormed to the Ligue 1 title last season.
Subsequently, Fabinho was linked with a number of suitors in the summer, with top clubs across Europe attempting to poach away all the stars of Monaco’s unprecedented success. In the end, the Brazilian stayed put as a move failed to materialise, but the current season has been a far cry from the highs of the last.
Fabinho last season for #ASMonaco #ASM. [Squawka] #mufc pic.twitter.com/27vQJFXXGz
— Mad Man Matić (@BleedManUnited) August 16, 2017
Despite not being at their best this season though, he continues to be tailed by prominent names in European football. Among these, Manchester United have been relentless in their pursuit of Fabinho, having unsuccessfully attempted to sign him in the summer as well.
The interest from the Red Devils could perhaps be stemming from their need to bolster the right-back slot instead of midfield, after signing Nemanja Matic, although he could still be handy in the middle.
As far as the right side of defence is concerned, Matteo Darmian has been unable to be a consistent deputy to Antonio Valencia, who is on the wrong side of 30. But, the Premier League heavyweights face stiff competition from Juventus in pursuit of Fabinho.
The Bianconeri are reportedly eager to sign a midfielder next summer, despite adding Blaise Matuidi to Massimiliano Allegri’s squad in the summer. With Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio often falling prey to injury troubles, the Brazil international is certainly a viable target to slot in front of the back-line.
While Juventus have been heavily linked with Emre Can, they are keeping their options open, especially considering the German midfielder is likely to be highly sought-after free agent next summer. But, Juve and Manchester United will have to shell out €50 million to secure the player’s services.
The figure does not ruffle either club’s feathers, with Giuseppe Marotta, in particular, willing to splash the big bucks to sign him. It now remains to be seen how things pan out in the coming months, although as of now, Fabinho looked set to finally move away from AS Monaco.
