Juventus head coach Maurizio Sarri is “ready to return to London for a three-player raid” on Chelsea and Tottenham, amid speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo could be ready to call time on his Turin adventure.
Taking its cue from Italian outlet Ilbianconero, The Sun says that Sarri is “keen on poaching” N’Golo Kante and Emerson Palmieri from Chelsea, while also popping across London to raid Spurs for Christian Eriksen.
Sarri, who coached Chelsea last season, is intent on rebuilding Juventus and he’s using the year he spent in London to plan his shopping spree.
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Of course, as the Sun points out, Eriksen is unlikely to cost him anything as he’s available on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Apparently Juventus will open negotiations in January in the hope of beating Real Madrid to the prize, and they are “prepared to sweeten the deal by offering flop Adrien Rabiot to Spurs” in exchange for the Dane.
Friends reunited
As for the 28-year-old Kante, Sarri transformed the French maestro from a defensive midfielder into what the Sun describes as a “complete all-rounder” and the Juve boss is keen for a reunion next season.
He’s also said to be sweet on Emerson, 25, who impressed Sarri so much he chose him above Marcos Alonso in the second half of last season.
According to the Sun the Italian international would be “ideal competition” for Juve’s current left-back Alex Sandro.
Neither Kante nor Emerson will come cheaply, but reports from Italy suggest that Mario Mandzukic will be sold to Manchester United for £10m in January.
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Paratici: Ronaldo is happy
There are rumours in Italy that the 34-year-old Ronaldo could move on before his contract runs out in 2022.
But the Daily Mirror reports comments made by Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici when asked about the Portuguese marvel, who netted the 700th goal of his professional career on Monday night playing for his country.
“I do not think he can leave at the end of this season and I doubt he will leave at the end of the next one,” said Paratici. “Ronaldo is very focused on his goals as well as his own personal objectives.
“He is under contract: we are very happy with him and he is happy at Juventus.”
