In this instalment of our Transfer Roundup, Football Transfer Tavern have gathered three of the biggest stories to have involved Juventus recently and have provided our thoughts on the reports published.
Juve join race for Donyell Malen
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato.it (via Inside Futbol), Juventus have joined the race to sign Dutch international Donyell Malen.
The report states that fellow Serie A sides Napoli and Roma are also interested in the former Arsenal player, as well as Liverpool and his former employers Arsenal.
PSV Eindhoven allegedly signed the player for just €600,000 (£531,230) as the youngster failed to make a big enough impression at the Emirates.
Verdict
At just 20, Malen could be a fantastic signing for the future for the Old Lady, as he has shown terrific form this season and has a lot of potential, keeping in mind the level of club reportedly interested in him.
In his six games, he is leading the charts for PSV quite comfortably in average match ratings from WhoScored with 7.62 per game. Furthermore, he has scored seven goals in just six games and averages a hefty 4 shots per match.
However, if Malen did join he would probably have to be content with not being the first choice again, which wouldn’t necessarily make the most sense considering how much his career has taken off with the chance of first-team football.
With Moise Kean being sold at Juve in the summer, it seems strange they would break the bank for another young centre-forward as it is apparent they want success now. Maurizio Sarri has favoured Gonzalo Higuain and they also only have Cristiano Ronaldo at the top level for a limited time given his age, so perhaps there would be better moves available for the player in terms of development.
Manchester United to rival club for Sandro Tonali
Manchester United are planning on rivalling Juve’s interest for midfielder Sandro Tonali after a scout was reportedly sent to Brescia’s 2-1 loss versus the Old Lady on Wednesday.
Nicolo Schira from Gazetta dello Sport tweeted to announce that they were looking at him, as well as stated that Borussia Dortmund are interested.
Tuttosport (via Inside Futbol) say that Juventus have had an interest for a while and will launch a bid next summer.
Verdict
Even with the youngster being a prospect considering the interest in him, the verdict is similar to that with Malen: if he does join, it’s unlikely he’d be an instant part of the set-up given the level of talent on offer in Turin. When you consider the fact that Blaise Matuidi, Sami Khedira, Aaron Ramsey, Emre Can and Adrien Rabiot are available in central midfield, it certainly does look like a well-stocked position.
For this reason, a side such as Manchester United, Dortmund or another Serie A side might be a more likely proposition to get the best out of a player who has drawn comparison with a certain Andrea Pirlo.
Manchester United eye up Mandzukic
Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic is being targeted by Manchester United as they look to snap him up in the January transfer window.
The Sun report that they had the chance to sign him in the summer but failed to give in to the 33-year-old’s wage demands.
However, it is now said that they are back in for the World Cup finalist.
Verdict
Considering that Mandzukic hasn’t been named in Juve’s Champions League squad and has not featured in the league, it shouldn’t be considered a big loss for them if he goes to United.
With United in the Europa League, there is no risk that he will come back to bite them in the Champions League so it shouldn’t be a problem for them.
Juve fans, how do you feel about these stories? Join the discussion by commenting below…
