Juventus will launch a massive bid for Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, according to reports
The Bianconeri are said to be targeting several midfielders after selling Paul Pogba to Manchester United in the summer, and are already competing with Barcelona and Chelsea in a race to secure the services of Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel, who is set to leave Zenit on a free transfer at the end of the season.
According to Tuttosport, the Italian giants are also targeting a number of other high-profile names including Marco Verratti, Ivan Rakitic and Toni Kroos. They claim that Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta is willing to spend a massive amount yet again, having spent €90 million Euros on Gonzalo Higuain in the summer.
Ivan Rakitic is said to be growing unsettled at the Nou Camp after falling out of favour with manager Luis Enrique, while Tuttosport claim that Veratti’s “experience at PSG seems to have ended.” Verratti, who is Italian, could be tempted with a move back to his native country.
The sale of Paul Pogba has left a gaping hole in midfield that Juventus, and Kroos is reportedly Juventus’ primary target to replace the Frenchman. However, it is highly unlikely that Madrid will be willing to sell the 26-year old who has been a big part of their successes in recent seasons.
Furthermore, Kroos only extended his contract in October and his current contract runs until 2022. The German international reportedly has a €300 million release clause so Real Madrid will demand whatever they want for his signature, if they are even willing to sell.
It looks increasingly likely that Ivan Rakitic will leave Barcelona sooner rather than later, but with Chelsea and Manchester United also said to be interested in the Croatian international, Juventus will face a tough time trying to land the midfielder.
Barcelona are said to be interested in keeping the Croatian but his situation at the Camp Nou has failed to improve.
Marco Verratti – who also signed an extension in August – is contracted to PSG until 2021, but with the French giants in no need of money they will be completely unwilling to sell one of their most important players. Juventus might appeal to the Italian native but PSG will likely do everything they can to hold on to him.
With Juventus firmly established as the best side in Italy, the Bianconeri are now looking to build a team that can dominate the Champions League as well, as their ambitious purchase of Gonzalo Higuain indicated.
However, unless something drastically changes for Kroos or Veratti, it is unlikely that Juventus will have a chance of landing either of them.
