A busy summer is ahead of Juventus following a failed to attempt to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in over a decade.
Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi have gained attention from the record-time Serie A champions, report Gazzetta dello Sport.
Juve have entered a transitional period, with multiple incomings and outgoings expected by the end of August.
Long-serving stalwart Juan Cuadrado, accompanied by veteran winger Angel Di Maria, already left the Allianz Stadium after their contracts expired on June 30.
Regardless of their age, Juventus have lost two significant assets, especially in terms of the final pass and crosses, with both proving more than useful in the front third.
Timothy Weah has joined the club as a potential long-term replacement for Cuadrado, although the Italians are still in the market for a new right wing-back.
But there’s a more pressing matter that requires undivided attention from the new sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, who swapped Napoli for Turin earlier this month.
Goals were in short supply for Juventus last season, with only Roma (50) netting fewer league goals than the Bianconeri (56) among sides to have secured European qualification in Serie A.
Head coach Massimiliano Allegri is desperate to address significant shortcomings in the creative department.
As one of the best playmakers in Serie A over the past few years, Milinkovic-Savic would be a massive coup for the former European champions.
Unfortunately, the Serb is reportedly close to renewing his contract at Lazio, even though it looked like he could be on the move earlier in the summer.
Milinkovic-Savic’s current deal runs out next summer, and if Juventus can intensify their effort to sign the 28-year-old, it’s possible they could still hijack his contract extension in Rome.
Berardi is a whole other story. The coveted winger was on Bianconeri’s payroll years ago before joining Sassuolo in 2013 and making a name for himself at the Mapei Stadium.
Known for his deadly crosses and potent left foot, he has been one of the most in-demand forwards in Serie A in recent years.
While Sassuolo offered resistance last summer after letting Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori leave the club, they could be willing to listen to offers for their standout forward now.
Juventus see Berardi as an upgrade on their current attacking options and a perfect candidate to fill Di Maria’s shoes next season, with Giuntoli ready to get down to work.
They’re not alone in their quest to sign the 28-year-old, though, with Lazio also eyeing up a summer bid for the prolific winger to bolster their squad ahead of the impending Champions League return.
But they’d hardly stand a chance if Juventus decide to step up their interest in the 2020 European Championship winner.
