Juventus are desperate to offload Denis Zakaria following his disappointing loan spell at Chelsea and could offer a discount to make it happen.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the record-time Italian champions are ready to renegotiate the terms with the Blues after being informed of their reluctance to exercise the buyout option.
Zakaria moved to Stamford Bridge on a season-long loan with an option to make it permanent for €28 million last summer, but he has failed to impress in the Premier League.
After barely being handed any playing time under Thomas Tuchel, the Switzerland international found some space during Graham Potter’s early tenure but has swiftly slipped down the pecking order again.
Several injury problems and a lack of match fitness have seen the 26-year-old register just 50 minutes of top-flight action in the past few months, with his last league start for Chelsea dating back to January 5.
Given his underwhelming showings, it’s no wonder Potter has no intention of keeping hold of him beyond the summer, but Juventus haven’t given up the plan to force him to stay in the Premier League.
Since they’re aware Chelsea won’t come anywhere near Zakaria’s substantial buyout clause, the Italians are ready to lower their demands to incentivise the Blues to reconsider their stance.
The underperforming Swiss star is not the only player Juventus are desperate to remove from their payroll, with Liverpool-loanee Arthur Melo topping the list.
Since swapping Barcelona for Turin in 2020, the Brazilian has struggled with recurring injury problems and below-par performances, forcing the club to ship him out on loan at Anfield last summer.
But instead of reigniting his career, the 26-year-old has hit a new low under Jurgen Klopp this season, registering only 13 minutes in the red jersey.
While Juventus would gladly gift Arthur away, there’s no chance Liverpool or any other major club would touch him due to his hefty wage demands.
