Juventus are reportedly preparing a big money offer to re-sign Paul Pogba from Manchester United, who is also wanted by Real Madrid.
According to a report from The Times, Serie A champions Juventus are set to launch a £120 million bid for wantaway Manchester United superstar Paul Pogba, who is also a summer transfer target for La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid.
Pogba has been dominating the headlines this summer, all due to the wrong reasons. The Frenchman dropped a hint in March earlier this year that he wanted to play for Real Madrid, before outright stating that he wants to leave Manchester United in this transfer window in an interview in Japan.
This was followed by Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola claiming in an interview with The Times that his client has his heart set on a summer move away and has already informed Manchester United of the same. “Everyone within the club from the manager to the owner knows Paul’s wishes. Everyone knows the willingness of Paul to move on. We are in the process of that,” said Raiola.
The uncertainty surrounding the Frenchman’s future has led to serious interest from Serie A champions Juventus. The Italian giants have one of the most enviable midfield units comprising of the likes of Miralem Pjanic, Blaise Matuidi, Rodrigo Bentancur, Emre Can. They have added Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot this summer, both on free transfer, to further boost their options.
However, given Pogba’s potential availability, Juventus are extremely keen on taking him back to Turin. The 26-year-old had a memorable stint with the Bianconeri after he joined them on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012. Having made 178 appearances, in which he scored 34 goals and won four Serie A titles, Pogba returned to United in 2016 in an £89 million deal.
Newly-appointed manager Maurizio Sarri has also expressed a desire of working with Pogba at Juventus. And as per the latest report from The Times, they are set to convert their interest into a formal bid of £120 million. But, they will have to battle La Liga giants Real Madrid for the midfielder’s signature.
Real Madrid have been one of the most active clubs in the summer, having significantly strengthened their squad in a number of areas. Manager Zinedine Zidane has now set his eyes on the midfield department, that struggled to fire in the previous season.
With Luka Modric not getting any younger, Toni Kroos struggling to be at his best on a consistent basis and Dani Ceballos likely to be sold, Zidane wants a new body in the middle of the park and has identified fellow countryman Pogba as his primary target.
Manchester United though have no intention of selling their record signing, but could decide to move Pogba on should the situation become untenable. However, they are unlikely to agree to sell him for a fee of £120 million that Juventus are willing to offer, as the Red Devils value him at a much higher price.
It remains to be seen if Pogba gets his wish and leaves Manchester United this summer. And if so, it will be interesting to see if he ends up at Juventus or Real Madrid.