Barcelona To Rival Juventus For Atletico Madrid Midfielder
Written By Onyeka Daniel
Juventus have been in the hunt for a midfielder to sign during the January transfer window as they look to beef up Masssimiliano Allegri’s squad to help his Scudetto push.
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They’ve been linked with several names likes Fabian Ruiz and Rodrigo de Paul, but the Bianconeri are very much limited in how much they can actually spend, which is why they’re only interested in a loan move.
They may now have a new foe to worry about in the chase for former Udinese midfielder, De Paul. According to reports, LaLiga giants Barcelona could be poised to make an offer for the Atletico Madrid midfielder following the season-ending cruciate ligament injury sustained by Gavi while on international duty with Spain.
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The 19-year-old Spaniard tore his ACL as well as damaging his meniscus during a 3-1 win over Georgia in La Roja’s final game of Euro 2024 qualification. He has been ruled out for an estimated period of seven to nine months.
In order to replace Gavi, Barca could be tempted into the January transfer market, and according to reports, Argentine De Paul could be the ideal fit. Multiple reports in recent months suggest that the 2022 World Cup winner could be available for a price tag in the region of €35m.
Barcelona’s interest could spell bad news for Juventus, who have been linked by numerous outlets with a move for De Paul. The Bianconeri are themselves on the lookout for midfield reinforcements following the long-term bans handed to both Nicolo Fagioli and Paul Pogba in the early stages of the season.
If Barcelona are unable to tempt De Paul however, Calciomercato suggest that they could turn to one of two Serie A representatives, namely Juve’s Adrien Rabiot or Atalanta’s Ederson. Both clubs, however, are said to be uninterested in selling.
Juventus on their part have the upper hand as they’re aware of Atletico Madrid’s interest in their own striker, Dusan Vlahovic and could propose a player plus cash offer to the Los Rojiblancos. An offer between €40 to €50m plus De Paul for the Serbian forward should be enough to get a deal done.
Meanwhile…
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Lorenzo Insigne and Wilfried Gnonto are among Lazio‘s transfer targets for January, but the ex-Napoli star would need to pay outstanding taxes in Canada, leaving the country after less than two years.
Lazio are on the lookout for a new attacking winger given that Felipe Anderson’s contract expires in June 2024 while Gustav Isaksen has struggled to settle in under Maurizio Sarri and could already leave the Stadio Olimpico in January.
According to the report, Insigne and Gnonto are among the Biancocelesti’s targets in the winter transfer window. Talks between Insigne’s agents and Lazio have already begun but the Italian winger’s contract with MLS side Toronto FC expires in 2026, so Insigne would need to terminate his current deal before signing with the Biancocelesti.
Moreover, Insigne would need to take a substantial pay cut being on a €7m-a-year deal in Canada and he’d need to pay outstanding taxes, leaving the country after less than two years. Insigne joined Toronto FC as a free agent from Napoli in the summer of 2022.
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His agents also represent Lazio midfielder Luis Alberto who has recently extended his contract at the Stadio Olimpico so they are on good terms with Claudio Lotito, the report claims. Gnonto is another long-time Lazio target, but Leeds United won’t sell the Italy international for less than €20m, making his January transfer less likely unless the Serie A side sell one of their current players.
Lazio are expected to reshuffle their attacking department over the coming months with Pedro and Felipe Anderson’s contracts expiring in June 2024 and Ciro Immobile going through a tough time with only four goals scored in 15 appearances this season. His contract in the capital runs out in June 2026.
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