#360transfers: Arturo Vidal’s possible replacements at Juventus

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  • Vidal replacement?: Some of those in mind.

    “Juventus are not a selling club, and players aren’t transferred unless they ask to leave,” said Beppe Marotta, the director general of the Turin giants during a press conference earlier this week. He was responding to a question about Arturo Vidal’s pending transfer to Bayern Munich, with the club official revealing that the Chilean midfielder had “expressed his desire to try a different experience.”

    Given that news of Vidal’s switch to the Bundesliga outfit came so soon after Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez had also opted to call an end to their time with the Old Lady, concerns have become real.

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    That trio were hugely influential in the club’s success over recent years, including their run to the Champions League final last season, and each will be sorely missed when Juve return to competitive action next month.

    The absence of Pirlo’s intelligent passing and the goal-scoring prowess of the irrepressible Tevez must now be overcome, but perhaps the loss of Vidal will be even more keenly felt.

    The 28-year-old was the man in whose image the team was previously built, the side reflecting the same combination of defensive solidity, tactical intelligence and ruthless attacking intent which Vidal embodies.

    There is little doubt that his four year stay in Italy had seen him blossom into arguably the world’s finest box-to-box midfielder, with concerns over both his surgically repaired knee and his off-field troubles factors in the reduced fee Bayern will pay.

    The touted €40 million cost is way off what Manchester United were willing to pay for the Chilean just twelve months ago, and it is impossible to put a price on his contribution to Juventus.

    “Tevez, Pirlo and Vidal have all decided to embark on a different challenge and we need to move on,” said coach Max Allegri as he sat beside Mr Marotta on Monday afternoon, highlighting the quality of the signings the club have already made this summer.

    With Paulo Dybala, Sami Khedira and Mario Mandžukić reporting for pre-season training, the Bianconeri have plenty of reasons for optimism, but Allegri was also happy to note that “the club has got its eye out for an attacking midfield player with offensive qualities.”

    A number of names have been linked with filling that role, and here Sport360 looks at five players who could be chosen to replace Arturo Vidal at Juventus. 

    KEVIN DE BRUYNE

    If a lack of creativity is the main concern for Juventus heading into 2015/16, it is no surprise to see reports of interest in Wolfsburg star Kevin De Brunye, with no player in Europe’s top five leagues recording more assists last term than his tally of twenty. 

    The Belgian international may have failed to make an impact at Chelsea, but is clearly thriving at the Volkswagen Arena, with the Bundesliga outfit now looking for a fee in excess of €60 million if they are to part with the 24 year old. That is likely to prove beyond what the Bianconeri are willing to spend, making a move for De Brunye unlikely.

    MARIO GOTZE

    Like De Brunye, links to Bayern Munich star Mario Götze are doubtful to develop due to financial restrictions, while the player himself has reconfirmed his commitment to the Bavarian giants. However, Marotta was happy to discuss the 23-year-old World Cup winner at Monday’s press conference.

    He told reporters: “Götze definitely fits the bill but he’s very much a Bayern player so clearly we haven’t opened formal talks. But if and when the club or player expressed the desire for a new challenge, we’d be the first to try to open formal discussions to see if we could get a deal done.”

    JULIAN DRAXLER

    “One German after another” proclaimed Tuesday’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian sports paper claiming Juve’s Sporting Director Fabio Paratici had flown out to speak with Draxler. 

    The Schalke midfielder fits the club’s requirements perfectly, although there are question marks over the long term health of a player who made just ten appearances last term as a thigh injury ruled him out from October to April.

    FELIPE ANDERSON

    Looking closer to home, Juventus could capitalise on Felipe Anderson’s rise to prominence, the Brazilian showing his ability to the fullest last term. The Lazio flyer only became a regular under Stefano Pioli in late November, yet ended the campaign with ten goals and seven assists as clubs across the continent began to take notice.

    The Rome-based club are looking forward to a Champions League play-off next month and should they fail to reach the group stage, the 22-year-old may seek a move elsewhere.

    DOMENICO BERARDI

    Another possibility for Juventus is Sassuolo star Domenico Berardi, who they have followed since he rose to prominence in Serie B two years ago.

    Securing a stake in his future, the Bianconeri were forced to relinquish their co-ownership of the 20-year-old when the practice was outlawed this past summer, though it is believed they retain a buy-back option on the youngster.

    Berardi has thrived since the Neroverde secured promotion, registering 32 goals and 17 assists in his first 64 top flight appearances.

    Should other targets prove unattainable, he could – despite their vastly different playing styles – become the man to replace Arturo Vidal at Juventus Stadium much sooner than expected. 

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