Chelsea transfer rumour: Juventus eye move for Nemanja Matic in January

Matic has been an important part of the Chelsea campaign this season

Italian outlet Tuttosport has claimed that Juventus is out in the transfer market and is eager at getting Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic. The club is looking at adding experience to its midfield and Juventus would especially want to ensure that they put on a solid challenge for European honours as well this season. Juventus who currently are 4 points clear off the top of the Serie A table look in good form but the team will want to get reinforcements in January to further strengthen their team and ensure that they’ve an unassailable lead.

The report also suggests that Massimiliano Allegri, the Juventus manager is keen on getting the Chelsea midfielder as he will be losing out on Medhi Benatia, Mario Lemina and Kwadwo Asamoah to the Africa Cup of Nations.

It adds that Allegri is looking at Zenit Saint Petersburg’s Belgian player Axel Witsel, Steven N'Zonzi of Sevilla and Ajax midfielder Riechedly Bazoer and could be possible targets this season. Tuttosport had also linked Juventus to Chelsea midfielder Oscar, who is now reportedly bound for China in a deal said to be around £52 million.

Nemanja Matic has almost always been impeccable while performing his defensive duties. The player was instrumental in Chelsea’s title winning 2014-2015 season and was quite easily one of the best defensive midfielders that season. This season he has not only been brilliant with the defensive work but has also been the 2^nd highest assist giver in the league with 6 assists to his name. His resurgence after a dismal previous season can surely be credited to the Antonio Conte who has turned around Chelsea’s gameplay and form after arriving in London. 

Matic has started every game except the one against Manchester City and looks like a favourite of the Italian manager who looks particularly impressed with his performances. Matic looks content and has played a crucial role in the current Chelsea team. The manager's confidence in him will surely be a factor which will play a role in Matic’s decision.

Chelsea fans will ideally want the Serbian to commit his long-term future to the Blues and continue his good performances for the club. Conte has preferred Matic to creative powerhouse Fabregas all throughout the season and this is a sign that the Italian holds Matic in high regard. 

Although the deal looks highly unlikely considering all factors, no concrete news can be given at the moment regarding Matic’s future. But as they say in life, never say never.