Massimiliano Allegri may now hand Nicolo Rovella his Juventus debut in order to replace Arthur Melo, with Arsenal persistent in their pursuit of the Brazilian’s transfer this month.
That’s according to Sport Mediaset, who report the Bianconeri plan to bring Rovella back from his loan spell at Genoa. Allegri refuses to sanction Arthur’s exit before he can replace the midfielder, and feels Rovella is now at a stage in his career to feature for the Old Lady.
Juventus bought Rovella from Genoa in the January 2021 transfer market, but immediately sent him back on loan. They agreed to pay the Grifone €20m (£16m) and let him stay at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris until June 2022. But he may now depart for Turin five-months earlier.
Rovella has been a fixture of the Genoa line-up so far this season with 16 Serie A outings, starting 15. He only fell out of Andriy Shevchenko’s plans in December through an injury.
Reports by Calciomercato also note Juventus may replace Arsenal transfer target Arthur by recalling Rovella from Genoa. Talks continue between the Gunners and Bianconeri to agree the Brazilian’s move. But the Old Lady are still giving thought to signing Denis Zakaria.
Juventus may yet keep Arsenal waiting for Arthur transfer despite Rovella plans
Earlier this week, Gianluca Di Marzio noted that Juventus had resumed talks with Borussia Monchengladbach over Zakaria’s availability. The Swiss was already on their radar for the summer when he will be a free agent. But they may move sooner to see Arthur is replaced.
Juventus stepping up their transfer plans to replace Arthur with either – or both – Rovella or Zakaria will surely delight Arsenal. The Gunners are unyielding in their desire to add the 25-year-old – who Barcelona icon Andres Iniesta said, via Marca, is an ‘exceptional’ player.
However, Allegri may keep Mikel Arteta waiting whilst discussions with Gladbach progress. The Bianconeri boss could give the Old Lady as long as possible to secure Zakaria’s arrival in Turin. Andrea Pirlo stood at the helm when Juventus bought 20-year-old Rovella last year.
Additionally, Rovella has only played 42 senior games in his fledgling career. So, Allegri may feel he is not yet ready to fully step in to Arthur’s void ahead of a Champions League last 16 tie with Villarreal. The Turin side also trail in the race to qualify for next year’s edition.
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