Real Madrid are reportedly planning a huge bid for Juventus’ star defender Giorgio Chiellini this summer. After the transfer ban is lifted, the primary target for the Los Blancos is to scrape off the ageing Galacticos, who have carried the mantle so far and to replace them with new superstars.
A lot of players are likely to get on the departing bandwagon this summer, which includes the likes of Karim Benzema and Pepe. And Chiellini looks like an attempt to replace the Portuguese international. The 32-year-old Italian international has won everything in Italy in his 13-year stint there and the lure of the Champions League medal could pretty easily draw him to Spain.
Reportedly, the player has been long-term targets of Chelsea and Arsenal but Real are expected to edge past them if they decide to get the player. Chiellini is one of the world’s best defenders at the moment and holds his position in Max Allegri’s first team that has immense competition in the back line.
Having just 18 months left on his contract with the Serie A defending champions, Juventus might finally be willing to let go of him for a lucrative deal. And with Juventus keen on banking on their young and impressive talents like Mattia Caldara and Daniele Rugani, a move for the defender could actually be on the cards. Leonardo Bonucci, another faithful servant to Juventus is also linked with a move away from the club.
Chiellini has played a staggering 425 matches for Juventus so far and has 90 caps for Italy since making his debut in 2004. English clubs Chelsea and Arsenal, though they don’t possess the same lure of Real Madrid, is expected to give tough competition to the Spanish giants. Chiellini would bring a wealth of top-level experience to any team he decides to join.
According to reports in Spain, Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has his heart set on a move for the centre-back with Pepe set to leave the Bernabeu at the end of this season. And despite the defender’s age and dwindling contract, Zidane is apparently ready to blow an eye-watering £51m on Chiellini, which would surely beat any offer from England. Italian defenders are known for their longevity with high-proficiency and Zidane, who has played with Fabio Cannavaro during his stint at Real Madrid, knows it pretty well.
A product of Livorno, Chiellini broke into their senior team early in 2000 from where he was picked up after four impressive seasons and he wasted no time creating an impression there. Juve had bought him next season in 2005.
