Juventus are reportedly confident of beating Real Madrid in pursuit of 26-year-old Manchester United superstar Paul Pogba this summer.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Juventus are growing increasingly confident that they will re-sign Paul Pogba in the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old Manchester United superstar is also the subject of interest from Real Madrid, with the Red Devils keen on holding on to the Frenchman.
Paul Pogba’s second coming at Manchester United has not exactly gone per plan on most occasions. While he has arguably been the Red Devils’ best outfield player over the last three years, the fact that he has had a tendency to get dragged into controversy has unnecessarily brought him negative attention at times.
Nevertheless, with a return of 31 goals and 29 assists in 142 appearances for Manchester United, the 26-year-old has been a key player at Old Trafford. However, recent comments that saw publicly admit to wanting a new challenge this summer, coupled with previous quotes of Real Madrid being his dream club, have brought in Juventus and Real Madrid in the fray for him.
With his future at Manchester United now unsettled, it is widely reported that Juventus and Real Madrid will indulge in a head-to-head battle for him this summer, with The Mirror suggesting the same as well.
At Real Madrid, midfield perhaps remains the only department that could do with some bolstering amid a summer spending spree that has seen them transform their squad. While Toni Kroos was hit and miss this past season, Luka Modric showed signs of age catching up to him.
Either way, Los Blancos ought to lay down the succession plan for Modric, which explains why they might be plotting a summer move for Pogba, even though he will not be a like-for-like replacement. Real Madrid though, could be falling behind Juventus in the race to sign the 26-year-old, according to the report.
Juventus are already loaded with midfield options for newly appointed manager Maurizio Sarri to consider. To add to them, Aaron Ramsey is set to arrive at the club, making it as many as six midfielders for possibly three positions. However, a closer inspection would reveal that Sami Khedira and Blaise Matuidi, at 32, are at an age that warrants phasing out of the squad.
With Emre Can proving to be inconsistent in his maiden campaign with Juventus, adding Pogba to the squad could make sense. And, the Bianconeri seem to have stepped up their pursuit of the 26-year-old, making ground while Real Madrid were busy bringing other superstars onboard.
Having said that, with Adrien Rabiot also heavily linked with a move to Juventus, it will be interesting to see if they attempt to sign both the French midfielders. Nevertheless, while the Serie A champions and Real Madrid look set to launch the offensive for Pogba, Manchester United are eager to keep hold of their talisman.
Despite their stance though, the Premier League giants will be willing to do business if their valuation of the player is met. While a lot of numbers have been thrown around across various outlets, The Mirror claim this figure to be £150 million, although it could also be the case that the price tag has been slapped as a way to fend off interest in the 26-year-old.
The race to sign Paul Pogba is intensifying with each passing day. It now remains to be where he ends up playing next season, amid interest from Juventus and Real Madrid.
