Juventus have reportedly taken a genuine interest in Real Betis’ up-and-comer Rodri Sanchez amid talks linking the youngster with several other European clubs.
New Bianconeri sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is a long-term admirer of the 23-year-old, having earmarked him as a potential signing for Napoli during his time in south Italy.
But since he swapped allegiances in June, Giuntoli is eager to bring the talented Spanish forward to the Allianz Stadium, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
Napoli and Inter Milan are also in the race. Last season’s Premier League runners-up Arsenal are lurking in the shadows but are preoccupied with other high-profile deals.
Rodri has been one of the standout performers at the 2023 U21 European Championship this summer, helping his country to reach the final, where they’ll be playing England.
He also enjoyed a decent season at the Estadio Benito Villamarin in 2022/23, registering two goals and four assists from 30 La Liga appearances for Betis.
It was enough for Spain U21 manager Santi Denia to include Rodri in his Euro 2023 squad, with the diminutive forward repaying that trust with mesmerising performances that have not gone unnoticed.
Juventus have already asked Betis for information about their coveted starlet as they seem poised to make a formal approach after deeming the Spaniards’ €25 million asking price ‘fair’.
Following a nightmarish 2022/23 season, where they failed to secure Champions League football for the first time in over a decade, you’d expect the Bianconeri to go on a tear this summer.
However, instead of strengthening their depleted squad, they’ve been reduced to a spectators’ role so far, being forced to watch fierce rivals Inter Milan and Roma adding to their ranks.
Apart from Timothy Weah’s arrival from Lille, the Turin giants have yet to come near to completing any other incoming deal, leaving under-fire manager Massimiliano Allegri fuming.
Rodri would be a decent coup for Juventus after Angel Di Maria’s return to Benfica, although Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi is still the club’s first choice to replace the Argentine veteran.
