As Juventus prepares for the announcement of Thiago Motta as their new head coach, the club is also entering a critical phase in determining the futures of two of their top players: Adrien Rabiot and Federico Chiesa. La Gazzetta dello Sport report that of the two players, Chiesa seems the most likely to be on his way out.
The newspaper detail how Juventus are currently unable to guarantee the status that Chiesa demands. Beyond financial considerations, it’s a matter of fitting into Motta’s tactical plans, where Chiesa’s characteristics do not align well. Consequently, Juventus cannot assure him a central role in the new cycle. Chiesa’s agent, Fali Ramadani, is expected in Italy in the coming days to assess the situation and meet with potential interested clubs. This could be a significant market opportunity, both within Italy and abroad. So far, Giuntoli has remained noncommittal, with interest from Roma and Napoli remaining under the radar. However, clearer indications are expected to emerge soon.
Rabiot’s situation presents a different challenge. He would be the ideal midfielder for Thiago Motta’s system, yet it’s uncertain whether Juventus can retain him. The club has already made a substantial offer: a two-year contract with an option for a third year based on performance goals, featuring a salary similar to his current earnings, benefitting from Italy’s “Decreto Crescita” tax relief scheme. Rabiot has promised to provide a response before the start of the European Championship. Giuntoli is keen to avoid prolonged uncertainty. If an agreement with Rabiot falls through, Juventus will likely accelerate negotiations with Aston Villa for Douglas Luiz, although Motta’s preferred plan includes having both midfielders.
Juventus aim to finalize some moves by the end of the month, such as the potential swap deal involving Weston McKennie and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz. Giuntoli is aware that extending negotiations could be detrimental, especially given the upcoming tasks to reshape the squad under Motta’s vision. This week is crucial not only for clarifying Chiesa and Rabiot’s futures but also for setting the tone for Juventus’ broader transfer strategy.
