How Juventus are planning to snatch Man Utd target for free
Robin Bairner
- 19 Aug 2022 08:44 BST
- 3 min read
Juventus could end Manchester United’s hopes of securing the signature of Lyon striker Moussa Dembele, according to a report in France.
Dembele is one of the players that the Red Devils are eyeing as a possible addition to their squad before the end of the summer transfer window but the striker is a much-wanted commodity around Europe.
Lyon want in the region of €20 million for the forward, which is the fee that they paid Celtic for him in 2018, but with just a year left to run on his deal, he could potentially leave for nothing next summer.
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OL have already supplemented their attack by signing Alexandre Lacazette from Arsenal on a free transfer, with the striker making a strong return to action at the club where he came through the academy ranks. This, in conjunction with his expiring contract, is a good reason why Dembele could be sold this summer.
Juventus steal a march on Dembele
Man Utd, though, could suffer a blow in this regard due to the plans of Juventus. Foot Mercato reports that the Serie A club have made it clear to the player that they are eager to sound out an agreement for next summer that would allow him to make a free transfer to Turin. Atletico Madrid are thought to be similarly positioning themselves.
This could play out in Dembele’s favour in the form of a greater signing on bonus and wage.
Equally, though, there is also the incentive for him to leave the club now, particularly to a high-profile club like Man Utd. Such a move could give him a late opportunity to make France’s World Cup squad if he were to make a quick start at Old Trafford. Dembele has never been capped by Les Bleus, so it would take such a hail Mary move to make such a dream possible.
Lyon, meanwhile, have made Dembele a new contract offer, giving him a third possible scenario.
