Barcelona have reportedly reignited their interest in the out-of-favor Juventus attacking midfielder Federico Bernardeschi, according to the latest reports in Europe
Barcelona hold a long-standing interest in Bernardeschi as they tried to snap him up in the January transfer window, only to see their €10million-plus-Ivan Rakitic bid turned down by Juventus.
But, the Catalans giants have not abandoned their admiration for the 26-year-old and are in, in fact, poised to launch a new assault when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
The left-footed Italian has found himself low in Maurizio Sarri’s pecking order, failing to register a single Serie A start since the calendar flipped and could well be counting his last days in Turin.
Bernardeschi arrived from Fiorentina in €40million-deal three years ago as one of the hottest young prospects in Europe but has genuinely failed to develop his potential at Juventus.
📰 — Barça renew their interest in Federico Bernardeschi.
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) April 11, 2020
– The Italian won't be continuing with Juventus next season. [sport] pic.twitter.com/anf9SCIoBD
Now, the Daily Mail has echoed reports in Italy, claiming Barcelona will look to offer the Italy international an escape route from the Allianz Stadium and possibly give him a chance to start over with a clean slate.
The reigning La Liga champions are desperate to improve their firepower ahead of the new season, especially following Antoine Griezmann failed to settle at the Camp Nou.
Indeed, a lack of on-field understanding between the Frenchman and Leo Messi could see the former head through the exit door in the summer, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United emerging as possible destinations.
Juventus could offer a straight swap between Federico Bernardeschi and Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, according to Sport Mediaset https://t.co/XJyfCx31Tl #Juventus #ACMilan #MUFC #PSG #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/yMKAJfYZKs
— footballitalia (@footballitalia) April 8, 2020
Technically gifted and tactically intelligent, Bernardeschi ticks many of the boxes for a type of player Quique Setien is looking to recruit in the summer.
His smart movements off the ball, impeccable passing abilities, and darting runs behind the opposition backlines make Bernardeschi a perfect fit for the Blaugrana needs.
But, Barcelona will face competition from AC Milan, who also showed ambition to sign the Juve misfit during the winter, although their like-for-like swap offer involving Lucas Paqueta fell on the Bianconeri deaf ears.
The Rossoneri are, however, not going to give up on their pursuit of ex-Fiorentina man and will make a new approach at the end of the season.