Carlos Alcaraz was targeted by ‘two Premier League clubs’ before leaving Southampton for Juventus with the Argentine’s agent reacting to those links with Nottingham Forest.
After just one year at St Mary’s – and despite spending half of that in the Championship – Carlos Alcaraz earned himself a mega-money move to one of Europe’s A-list clubs last week, swapping Southampton for Juventus in an otherwise rather dormant final week of the January transfer window.
The Athletic report that Alcaraz, should he impress at the Serie A challengers, could see his short-term deal turned into a permanent transfer to the tune of £40 million.
Southampton agree Carlos Alcaraz exit
“It all took place in the last two days of the transfer market. The operation lasted 48 hours. A unique opportunity for the player, difficult to refuse,” Sebastian Lopez, the midfielder’s agent, tells TuttoJuve.
“The objective will be to help the team win titles and successes. He wants to continue to grow. His aim will be to add experience and achieve an excellent relationship with the club and its fans.
“(Alcaraz) has great quality, a lot of dedication and a very strong mentality. He is a box-to-box player, with a strong attacking qualities. The fans will fall in love with his dedication.”
Nottingham Forest land Giovanni Reyna instead
Lopez was also quizzed about speculation linking Alcaraz – who scored four goals during an impressive half-season in England’s top flight – with relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.
He did not confirm or deny Forest’s interest, but does admit that a pair of unnamed ‘Premier League clubs’ missed out when Juventus completed a deal.
“Two Premier League clubs were chasing him, with great possibilities of signing him in this market,” Lopez adds. “I can’t reveal more.”
Forest did add a talented attack-minded midfielder to their ranks, Gio Reyna arriving on loan from Borussia Dortmund. Southampton, meanwhile, showed an interest in Coventry City talisman Callum O’Hare before bringing in David Brooks from local rivals AFC Bournemouth.
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