Juventus are reportedly closing in on a move for Nemanja Matic, eyeing a €45 million deal for the Chelsea midfielder this summer.
According to a report in TransferMarketWeb, Juventus have registered an interest in Nemanja Matic, having established contacts with his representatives. The Bianconeri are seeking a €45 million deal for the Chelsea midfielder in this summer’s transfer window.
Matic is currently in his second spell with Chelsea, having rejoined the West London club from Benfica in 2014. While he failed to make any sort of impact in his first stint with the Blues, his second coming has been far more convincing, with the player becoming an integral component at Stamford Bridge.
The 2016/17 was another special season for Matic as he played a key role in Chelsea’s record breaking triumph in the Premier League. While he did end up sharing game time with Cesc Fabrehas towards the end of the campaign, the Serbia international was a vital player for Antonio Conte.
His position at Stamford Bridge is now up in the air, though, as Chelsea completed the signing of Tiemoue Bakayoko from AS Monaco. The Frenchman is expected to be the regular partner for his compatriot N’Golo Kante, meaning Matic could play a much reduced role next season.
Juventus were in contacts with Matic’s agent today to see how much he wants for his contract
? Di Marzio pic.twitter.com/PKUnIIku71
— ItalianFootballTV (@IFTVofficial) July 18, 2017
As a result, he is eager to end his second stint with Chelsea this summer, with a host of clubs interested in signing him. Manchester United had been heavily linked to him in recent weeks, but a switch to Old Trafford seems unlikely after the Red Devils beat Chelsea to the signature of Romelu Lukaku.
With Manchester United possibly bowing out of the race to sign Matic this summer, Juventus have emerged as the latest suitors for him. The Bianconeri have dominated Italian football for the better part of the last half a decade and more.
But, Massimiliano Allegri is keen to remove the slight chinks in his side’s armour in order to finally land the elusive Champions League title for the first time since 1996. Midfield is reportedly a priority for the Juventus boss, with Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio regularly mired in injury woes.
With Stefano Sturaro utilised as more of a squad player, Miralem Pjanic remains the only recognised option for Allegri. Thus, Matic has emerged as a viable target for Juventus to consider, with the player’s defensive abilities potentially being a big complement to Pjanic’s creative abilities.
The Italian champions have already met the Serb’s representatives, and are likely to make their first move for him soon. The report states that Chelsea are holding out for €45 million, an amount that Juventus won’t have any qualms shelling out.
It now remains to be seen if the Bianconeri can clinch a deal for Matic, or if other suitors emerge in the race to sign the player this summer.
