Real Madrid are interested in Giorgio Chiellini and are lining up a big money summer move for the Juventus defender, as per reports.
Spanish journal Mundo Deportivo have reported that Real Madrid are desperate to buy a centre-back in the summer and have set their sights on Giorgio Chiellini. Los Blancos are now said to be preparing a big offer to bring the Juventus defender to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer.
Chiellini has been one of the pillars at the back for Juventus and the Italian national team for several years now. Having been signed from Fiorentina in 2005, Chiellini has been the mainstay at the heart of the Bianconeri’s defence ever since and is widely rated as one of the best defenders in the world.
Known for his no-nonsense, hard tackling attitude in defending, Chiellini has been pivotal in Juventus’ dominance in Italian football in recent years, with the defending Italian champions being formidable in defence.
The 32-year-old has already notched up over 400 appearances for Juventus in nearly 12 years in Turin, and has been at his best yet again this season. In 18 appearances in Serie A this season, Chiellini has won 19 tackles, made 76 clearances, 32 interceptions and 11 blocks while keeping his passing accuracy at an impressive 87%.
With his stellar performance at the back for Juventus not going unnoticed, he is a player who could solve the defensive woes for many sides. Real Madrid are one such club, with the Spanish heavyweights in search of a centre-back in the summer.
Los Blancos’ back four has blown hot and cold this season, and veteran central defender Pepe is looking all set to depart from the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season. Raphael Varane, while showing signs of promise, has been highly inconsistent while Nacho is preferred as a backup option.
Thus, Zinedine Zidane is eager to find a top class defender to partner Sergio Ramos next season. The capital side have already made enquiries for Chiellini’s partner in the Juventus defence, Leonardo Bonucci, but it looks like they have now set their sights on the 32-year-old instead.
The report states that Chiellini has had his run-ins with Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri this season, and could leave the Turin club in the summer. However, the Bianconeri would be asking for €60 million in order to let their prized asset leave come the end of the season.
Real Madrid, though, believe that they might be able to lower the transfer fee by sweetening the deal by offering Jesus Vallejo, who is currently on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt. It is important to note, though, that Chiellini would be turning 33 in August and, at best, he would represent a short-term solution for Real Madrid.
Vallejo, on the other hand, has shown signs of promise with Frankfurt and is being touted for big things in the future. So, Juventus might come off as the better of the two clubs if the deal is indeed struck in the summer.
