Juventus have set their sights on acquiring Lazio winger Felipe Anderson, Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori and Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo. The Bianconeri are already eyeing up players for the future, with the club expected to make significant moves on the transfer market this summer.
La Gazzetta dello Sport write that the recent presence of Cristiano Giuntoli’s scouts at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome during the Lazio-Bayern Champions League match wasn’t just a casual affair. It served as both a reminder of Europe’s premier competitions and an opportunity to observe the Brazilian winger in a more challenging context: an eighth-final clash against one of Europe’s strongest teams.
The reconnaissance mission proved positive, with valuable insights gathered on Maurizio Sarri’s player, whose contract is nearing its end. However, recent reports suggest that the Rome blitz served not only to gather information but also to arrange various appointments and public relations activities. It’s no secret that the Bianconeri’s interest in Felipe Anderson, available on a free transfer, is significant.
The Bianconeri, aiming to enhance and broaden their squad for their Champions League return, have long been monitoring the former Santos player. The rationale behind this pursuit varies, starting with the opportunity to secure the player on a free transfer, thereby avoiding transfer fees. Additionally, signing Felipe Anderson could potentially facilitate a smoother negotiation process for Federico Chiesa’s contract renewal (expiring in 2025), with ongoing discussions in progress.
Felipe Anderson isn’t the sole target, but he represents the most economical option at present. This aligns with Juventus’ strategic shift towards sustainability in recent years, where financial considerations are as crucial as technical ones. Thus, while the Bianconeri diligently assess Felipe Anderson’s situation, any potential deal would likely materialize only if the player’s salary and contract duration demands are lower than the current expectations.
In parallel, the Juventus scouting department, led by Giovanni Manna, is actively seeking left-footed defenders to bolster their ranks. With Alex Sandro set to depart upon the expiry of his contract, the search for natural left-footed players has intensified. While Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna remains a preferred target, other options include Kelly (out of contract with Bournemouth) and Pavlovic, a young prospect from Salzburg. Recently, Manna has been closely monitoring Reinildo, a versatile 30-year-old left-footer from Atletico Madrid, whose contract expires in 2025, to assess his resurgence from a physical standpoint.
