Thursday 17 January 2019 08:26, UK
This week we are considering what business the top clubs around Europe are looking to do in January. Next up, Juventus…
Unsurprisingly, Juventus are seven points clear at the top of the Serie A table and are on course for their eighth successive league title.
But the Champions League continues to evade the Italians, despite making it to two of the last four finals, and January reinforcements could help their push for a first European win since the 1995/96 season.
So who could be arriving in Turin before the end of the month? Here, we take a look at a few of the names linked with Juventus...
Juventus' 2018/19 so far
Injuries have left Juventus rather light in midfield this season with Sami Khedira and Emre Can both having extended spells on the sidelines and Claudio Marchisio announcing his departure from the club in the summer.
One of Juventus' main targets to shore up their midfield is Aaron Ramsey, with Sky Sports News reporting that he has agreed to join Juventus in the summer on a free transfer.
Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici has already confirmed the Italian's interest in the Welshman, telling Sky in Italy: "Ramsey is a very good player who has been playing at a high level for many years and who plays for an important club.
"For now, that's it. He is a player whose contract is going to end and we always pay great attention to the situations offered by the transfer market because it is our duty, so we also pay attention to Ramsey."
Could there also be a return for Paul Pogba to plug the midfield hole? Before Jose Mourinho's departure from Manchester United, rumours were rife that the Frenchman wanted out at Old Trafford to go back to Turin.
However, Pogba is now flourishing under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and even said himself how much happier he is under the Norwegian with a stay at Man Utd more likely than ever.
But even in recent days, Tuttosport have claimed that Man Utd could be open to the idea of allowing Pogba to go back to Juventus if they are given Douglas Costa in a part-exchange. Former Bayern Munich winger Costa is a long-time Manchester United transfer target but Juventus are reportedly keen to keep him.
There is no denying that Juventus have a talented side - one of the best in Europe - but their defence is not getting any younger. Centre-backs Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Medhi Benatia are all over 30 and will be retiring sooner rather than later.
One name being lined up as a replacement is Ajax's Matthijs de Ligt, with the 19-year-old one of the hottest properties on the market. Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Manchester United are just a few of the clubs also said to be pursuing the Netherlands international.
But Juventus are certainly in the mix, with De Light's father, Frank, telling Tuttosport in December: "Juventus may be a possibility, but they are not the only team interested in Matthijs. Right now, we are focused on the season with Ajax.
"Turin is a beautiful city, I visited it when the Netherlands played against Italy in June. In the next few months, my son, [Mino] Raiola and I will make the best decision for his future."
Another youngster on the list is Benfica centre-back Ruben Dias, with Portuguese outlet Record claiming Juventus sent scouts to watch him in a Champions League game at the San Siro earlier this season and are monitoring his situation.
However, he could be a less likely option for January or even 2019, with Dias recently signing a contract extension with Benfica that runs to 2023, although it does reportedly contain a release clause worth €60m (£53.5m), which could trigger a move to Juventus if they were willing to pay.
Juventus are lacking numbers at left-back if they are going to compete on all fronts for the remainder of the season. Leonardo Spinazzola is set to leave the club for Bologna on loan with Alex Sandro the only other recognised player in the position.
Enter Emerson Palmieri. Calciomercato are reporting that the Chelsea youngster is wanted by Juventus, having previously played for Roma and Palermo in Serie A. He has made a total of 18 appearances in all competitions for the Blues since arriving a year ago.
Palmieri's agent Fernando Garcia has confirmed there is interest too, saying: "I think all the top European clubs would like to have a player like Emerson Palmieri in their squad. There has been some interest, although nothing formal, so there is nothing to report now. I cannot talk about the clubs who approached us."
Chelsea are on the hunt for Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain and are also reportedly interested in 20-year-old defender Rogerio - both players are currently out on loan - and Calciomercato also states that a swap deal could be in the offing.
