Juventus Transfer Market Explodes: Chiesa Talks, Midfield Fixes and Spalletti’s Plan

Chiesa, Take Two. Juventus Have Moved First This January

Juventus has officially opened the January transfer window to strengthen its squad. And it has done so with a bang. The Bianconeri management has officially submitted a request for information to Liverpool for the Italian striker. The Reds have opened negotiations, driven in part by the player’s desire to return to Turin and maximise his chances of being called up to the national team ahead of a possible participation in the next World Cup.

However, there are still some issues to be resolved before Federico Chiesa can officially return to Juventus. First: the formula. The Reds would like a permanent transfer. Second: the timing, which must be dictated by the results of Momo Salah’s Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Fixing the Midfield. January Needs to Bring Reinforcements Now

In parallel with the negotiations to be initiated for Federico Chiesa, Juventus is also working on other areas of the pitch. Two reinforcements are on the way for Spalletti: Guido Rodriguez in midfield and Norton-Cuffy on the right. The Argentine midfielder from West Ham could be a loan opportunity while waiting for Tonali in the summer. Ottolini wants to bring the winger from Genoa, but he has to place Joao Mario.

Luciano Spalletti’s revolution has only just begun and, although there is satisfaction with what the Tuscan coach has done so far, it is clear that Juventus lacks a quality midfielder to compete on equal terms with current title contenders Inter and Napoli. Sandro Tonali is the dream, but impossible in January. Therefore, the Bianconeri management is going all-in on Guido Rodriguez. The Argentine is looking for playing time to attempt a last-minute return to the national team’s World Cup squad: at West Ham, he has played little so far and has not found consistency. Among those being closely watched is Alex Toth, the 2005 Hungarian from Ferencvaros considered a potential star.

The January Domino Effect. Sales That Will Shape the Window

The outlook for the midfield must also take into account a few departures: Miretti is a player Sarri wants, but Lazio has not gone beyond a loan request for now; McKennie’s contract is expiring and there is little room for renewal at the moment. Frattesi has also been proposed to Continassa, a profile that would also increase the Azzurri quota: there is little hope for dialogue with Inter at the moment. But Spalletti’s new 4-2-3-1 formation requires reinforcements. That is why, until the sale of Raspadori is finalised, Comolli and Ottolini will continue to keep an eye on Atletico Madrid: the possibility of getting their hands on a centre forward like Sorloth would free up David. For the right wing, the first target is Norton-Cuffy, whom Ottolini would like to bring with him from Genoa. But first, a good offer must be found for the sale of Joao Mario.