Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta confirms “contact” with Zenit St Petersburg for Axel Witsel.
The Bianconeri were close to signing the Belgian midfielder in the summer, but the Russian club pulled the plug on transfer deadline day, with the player already in Turin.
Today Marotta was interviewed on Radio Achi’io Sport, and he discussed Witsel and Boca Juniors’ Rodrigo Bentancur.
“I won’t deny that we’re working for these two players,” the director confirmed.
Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta confirms “contact” with Zenit St Petersburg for Axel Witsel.
The Bianconeri were close to signing the Belgian midfielder in the summer, but the Russian club pulled the plug on transfer deadline day, with the player already in Turin.
Today Marotta was interviewed on Radio Achi’io Sport, and he discussed Witsel and Boca Juniors’ Rodrigo Bentancur.
“I won’t deny that we’re working for these two players,” the director confirmed.
“We have a right of first refusal for Bentancur which expires in April 2017 and we’ll redeem him. We won’t sign him in January, but next year.
“Witsel is an opportunity, because his contract expires in 2017. We’ve had contact with Zenit to sign him sooner, and we remain in contact to get the final answer.”
Juve have also been linked with Atalanta defender Mattia Caldara, as well as his teammate Roberto Gagliardini.
“They are two interesting players, and our primary objective is to recruit the best youngsters out there; that’s the recipe for success.
“Having young Italians is essential so they can immediately understand what it means to wear the Juventus shirt. We’re working for that.”