The Hornets look set to break their transfer record by signing the Juventus midfielder, and have their next position to strengthen already lined up.
Roberto Pereyra – Juventus
Watford have reportedly agreed a £13 million deal for Juventus and Argentina star Roberto, according to Sky Sports.
The club have been chasing the attacking midfielder for much of the off season, with other Premier League outfits also said to have held an interest in the 25-year-old.
But it looks likes the Hornets connections to Pereyra through the Pozzo family, who also own the player’s former club Udinese, have helped them secure what is a significant signing for the North Londoners, just beating their transfer record for Isaac Success in the process.
The Nigerian moved for around £12.5 million in early July (Sky Sports).
Juventus’ Roberto Pereyra and Bayern Munich’s Douglas Costa in action
Pereyra was bought by the Italian champions last summer for, having impressed during a loan spell in Turin the year before. The midfielder has significant appearances under his belt for Juve, making the joint most appearances of any Juventus player in the 2014-15 season, which included his involvement in the 2015 Champions League final.
He saw less football after completing a permanent switch to Juve, featuring just 16 times in the campaign just gone, though a thigh injury that plagued him throughout the middle of the season was a big reason for that.
Juventus’ Roberto Pereyra celebrates scoring
The Sky Sports report also indicates that as soon as Pereyra’s arrival is sealed, the Hornets will look to recruiting a central defender before the end of the transfer window.
Watford signed Christian Kabasele earlier in the summer, and had Craig Cathcart, Miguel Britos and Sebastien Prodl at the back in the 1-1 draw against Southampton, but Walter Mazzarri may end up with another defender in his squad once the transfer window shuts.
Watford manager Walter Mazzarri
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