Juventus are in advanced talks to sign Angel Di Maria, but the Bianconeri have been criticised for choosing the Argentinean star over Dejan Kulusevski.
The Sweden international joined Tottenham on loan with an obligation to buy in the January transfer window. He moved to North London with his teammate Rodrigo Bentancur, allowing Juventus to get the money to sign Dusan Vlahovic for Fiorentina.
Kulusevski was not a regular starter in Turin under Max Allegri but has played a vital role in helping Antonio Conte’s Tottenham snatch a top-four finish with five goals and eight assists in 18 Premier League appearances, quickly becoming an idol for Tottenham fans.
Juventus are now chasing a new winger and have made Angel Di Maria and Ivan Perisic their priority targets, with Federico Bernardeschi, Paulo Dybala and (probably) Alvaro Morata leaving the club in June.
La Gazzetta dello Sport’s editor-in-chief Stefano Agresti criticised Juventus’ choice calling Kulusevski ‘Allegri’s biggest defeat.’ The Tuscan tactician was unable to get the best out of the former Atalanta and Parma starlet and even failed to identify a proper role for the 22-year-old who thrived under Conte in North London.
Tottenham have an obligation to make his move permanent for €35m at the end of 2022-23 and paid €10m for the player’s 18-month loan. Juventus, on the other hand, are considering the signing of 34-year-old Di Maria on a free transfer from PSG. The Bianconeri and the player’s entourage are still in talks over a one-year deal with an option to extend his contract for a further campaign.