The perfect striker that Juventus needs
Juventus scored a total of 68 goals in their Scudetto winning campaign, second only to Milan in the goalscoring list. Alessandro Matri, their top scorer of last season, scored 10 of those. The whole attack that primarily comprised of Vucinic and Matri, also employed Quagliarella, Borriello and the evergreen Alessandro Del Piero upfront. Simone Pepe, Giaccherini and Milos Krasic were utilised as well. This whole attack managed to contribute a combined tally of only 35 goals.
The reigning champions from Turin clearly need a worldclass attacker who is a very consistent “goalscorer”. After the loss of the great captain, who was a gamechanger, towards the end of last season, Beppe Marotta needs to sign a goalscoring, efficient striker in these closing stages of the transfer mercato. Here’s a list of strikers, one of whom Juventus have to buy in order to do well in the Champions league and stay in contention for the Scudetto.
Clock is ticking Mr Marotta, where is your Mr X ?
1. Edinson Cavani
Age: 25
Present Club: Napoli
Asking value: 60M€
2011-2012 stats: 33 goals and 5 assists in 43 games
Cavani is probably the best player in the Serie A at the moment. Juventus, along with many powerhouses across Europe, were linked to obtain his services. Cavani will be a sure starter and a splendid signing for any team and not just Juventus, but he is the one player the Bianconeri must buy. He offers pace, versatility and a lot of goals. Although the probability of acquiring him this summer is very less considering that Napoli have already lost Lavezzi, Juventus haven’t been convincing enough in bringing him to Turin. Will Marotta spend a fortune to recruit him?
A fantasy move for all Juventus fans
2. Stevan Jovetic
Age: 22
Present Club: Fiorentina
Asking value: 35 M€
2011-2012 stats: 14 goals and 3 assists in 28 games
From the start of the transfer window, Juve’s focus should have been Jovetic and not Asamoah or Isla. Viola would have sold him if the Bianconeri gave them a big offer at start of the transfer window. Now that they have a good team, they know they can challenge for Europe with Jovetic in the team. Jovetic is very young and is a proven goalscorer. Montella’s men have already rejected a 25 million bid from Manchester City and if Juventus are to obtain the frontman’s services hoping that Fiorentina will sell him to a direct rival, they will have to spend a fortune.
Will he remain at the Tuscan side this mercato ?
3. Fernando Llorente
Age: 27
Present Club: Athletic Bilbao
Asking value: 36 M€
2011-2012 stats: 29 goals and 4 assists in 53 games
Llorente is certain to leave the Spanish outfit this transfer window. Juventus have already made a concrete offer for the Europa league finalist and may have to increase their initial offer to match the value that Bilbao require. Llorente will perfectly fit into the system that the Italian giants adopt which is quite similar to the game that he has previously played with Bilbao. The Spanish frontman at the moment seems to be the most realistic choice .
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Llorente to do an ” Italian job ” ?
4. Edin Dzeko
Age: 26
Present Club: Manchester City
Asking value: 30 M€
2011-2012 stats: 19 goals and 7 assists in 43 games
The tall Bosnian is presently unsettled with the current English champions. He has been linked to Juventus over the summer multiple times. Although he is Marotta’s backup plan, he could be a valuable addition to the Bianconeri. If he can find his magical goalscoring form he had with Wolfsburg, he could be the player to watch out for this season. Manchester City have already rumoured to have reject a 25 M bid from Serie A runners up, A.C. Milan. Conte’s Juventus have to atleast set aside 30M to bring the Bosnian to Italy.
Turin calling ?
5. Roberto Soldado
Age: 27
Present Club: Valencia
Asking value: 25 M€
2011-2012 stats: 27 goals and 6 assists in 51 games
Roberto Soldado was never linked to Juventus throughout this transfer mercato. He is a player that Juventus need at present. After having a splendid season with the Spanish outfit and leading Valencia into this season, Soldado is a ruthless striker. Lethal in attack, he will blend into the style that the Turin giants employ. It’s surprising that his name has never been associated to the ” Black & White ” and they have not been interested in bringing him to Italy. If the reigning Italian champions are ever interested in him this transfer window, they need to invest a good deal of amount to lure the captain of Valencia away from the Mestalla.
A dream move
Juventus cannot completely rely on their current attack for goals and in games where their magnificent midfield will be put in the shadow, they need to bring a quality goalscorer to Turin for a great era that is about to begin at the Juventus Sports Arena.