Reports emanating out of Italy claim Juventus are looking to make either Oscar or Isco their long-term replacement for Andrea Pirlo.
Earlier this week the Serie A champions held an end of season review between coach Max Allegri, managing director Beppe Marotta and sporting director Fabio Guild, where topics up for discussion was the coach’s future, and that of the squad’s development; both in terms of technical strategy and the summer’s transfer market approach.
After agreeing (in principle) a deal to extend Allegri’s contract, talks turned towards ensuring Juventus remain as competitive – if not more so – in the new campaign, and central to this focus was the future of the playmaking position – currently held by Andrea Pirlo.
It’s been widely reported that the recent Champions League final was to be Pirlo’s last appearance for the Bianconeri, with his tears in the wake of that defeat interpreted as such. However the midfielder quickly dismissed that notion, stating:
My tears last night in Berlin was not farewell, but tears for a defeat in the Champions League final. It’s normal that there was disappointment because I do not know if I will get the chance to play in another.
“Andrea has not expressed a desire to leave,” Marotta later confirmed; although, in truth, Juve have already started work (with the purchase of Sami Khedira) to set up a side who may struggle with the absence of such a key player, either via departure, or, using Pirlo more intelligently given his age would hardly be able to guarantee consistent performances for 50+ games a year – especially when Allegri sees the playmaking position as key.
As a gift for winning lo Scudetto in such style, Allegri is also said to have reiterated his wish for the Italian champions to sign either Oscar from Chelsea (who endured a difficult season with the Premier League champions) or Isco, whose romance with the Real Madrid always seems under threat, despite an excellent year.
Both playmakers could fulfil other advanced midfield roles (as they presently do for their current clubs) if Pirlo remains, or could fully flourish in more of an authentic No.10 position, if the regista moves on and Allegri tweaks his system.
