As we’ve explained previously, Juventus’ interest in Emre Can has been bubbling under the surface for quite some time now, without ever coming to the fore, always mentioned as a possible option for the Serie A club.
That appeared to be the case again this year, with both Steven N’Zonzi and Blaise Matuidi apparently ahead of the Liverpool midfielder on the Italian side’s shortlist, but things have now changed.
Refusing to pay the €40m release clause for the former and reluctant to spend €30m on the latter due to his age (30) and the one year left on his contract, Juventus are considering turning to Can, with a €30m offer being considered.
The Germany international is yet to renew his current deal at Anfield, and with it running out next year, there’s only so much Liverpool can ask for.
Not accepting a bid for the 23-year-old this summer and failing to convince him to stay on Merseyside would see Emre Can leave on a free next year, something the Premier League side will likely want to avoid.
Gazzetta dello Sport are the ones reporting the news on Monday, and explain that despite there being less than 12 months on his contract, his age and potential would make it a far more worthwhile investment than either N’Zonzi or Matuidi at this stage.
The idea would be for him to eventually take over from Sami Khedira full-time, something he could do both at club and international level if he moved to Turin.
It’s certainly a good plan on paper, but Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp, aware of his potential and ability, will undoubtedly stand their ground on this one.
It could become a tasty saga if Juventus go through with their €30m bid idea.
