Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 7y

Juventus could add three more players before window shuts - Marotta

Juventus could make three more signings before the end of the transfer window, general manager Beppe Marotta has said.

Marotta, speaking at the club's annual team presentation at Villar Perosa on Thursday, confirmed that Blaise Matuidi is set to sign on Friday and said further additions could arrive in defence, midfield and attack.

"There are still 15 days and the only area we won't be making changes in is in goal," he said.

"You've got to take the opportunities when they arise to raise the level of quality.

"We have more opportunities to take than necessities because we know we have a competitive team as it is, but we will still try to take opportunities.

"We'll see what will happen, but certainly nothing major will happen. We know that we have a competitive squad and this is a group which is hard to improve."

He said Chelsea target Alex Sandro would be remaining at the club, adding: "The only player who has asked us to stay is Alex Sandro, and we're really pleased about that.

"That is why we firmly reject any offer from Chelsea for him at the moment."

An attempt to sign Leonardo Spinazzola, who is already contracted to Juve but is halfway through a two-year loan deal at Atalanta, has been rejected, but Marotta did not rule out an improved bid.

"Of course we could do with him now and we have asked Atalanta to have him back one year early, paying them a fair price, but they said no and we duly stepped back," he said.

"We're sorry for the player because he has a huge opportunity, but these are the laws of football which must be respected."

However, Marotta said an improved offer for Lazio's Keita Balde was not being considered.

"What happens next is not up to us," he added. "We've made our offer."

^ Back to Top ^