By Football Talk.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have been alerted by the news that Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini has questioned his own future at the Serie A club. The Italian internationals contract runs out in 2013 but has been linked with most of Europe’s elite over the past couple of seasons with premier league sides Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all interested.
Of the three, Arsenal are thought to be the most keen admirers due to their desperate need for centre-back reinforcements. The Gunners are expected to lose William Gallas, Philippe Senderos and Mikel Silvestre this summer leaving them short of numbers at the back and manager Arsene Wenger has already admitted this is an area that needs addressing this summer. And 25-year-old Chiellini would fit the bill perfectly with a wealth of experience and is the dominant ball-winner most Arsenal fans have been crying out for.
But the Gunners will face stiff competition from both Chelsea and Liverpool who have also been impressed by the displays of the Juve stopper. Although it remains to be seen if Carlo Ancelotti will be in the market for a centre-back, that decision will be made when the future of Ricardo Carvalho is sorted out. But if the Portugese defender does move on, then Chelsea may make their move for Chiellini.
Liverpool on the other hand may find it difficult to compete with their premiership rivals as Chiellini is valued at over £20m and the Reds would struggle to come up with the funds to secure his signature as the American owners have tightened the purse strings at Anfield. Benitez was heavily linked with a move last summer but a deal never materialised and although his interest remains, a deal is unlikely given the financial situation at present.
With Juventus failing to secure champions league football after a poor season in Serie A, several star names such as Buffon, Melo and Giovinco have been linked with a move away from Turin, and now Chiellini has added his name to the list who have question marks over their futures. Speaking to sky Italia, he said:
“Will I stay at Juventus? I don’t know yet, I have not talked with anyone.
“I think yes, if they want me. I also want to see what the ideas are of the new club leaders in terms of team and players.
“We need important reinforcements in all roles and a champion that makes a difference – Ribery could give us the change of pace that is now missing.
“Then we will see at the end of the market how the team will be. But it won’t be easy to compete with Inter Milan immediately.”
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