Juventus target Gabriel and N'Dicka as January transfers

FT Desk

4 Sep 2022 07:20 CDT
3 min read

Gabriel in action for Arsenal — © ProShots

Juventus have a Giorgio Chiellini-shaped gap to fill at the back, and the Bianconeri have identified Arsenal's Gabriel and Eintracht Frankfurt's Evan N'Dicka as candidates to do so.

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Juve were busy in the summer transfer market, and even spent €41 million on a centre-back in the shape of Brazil international Bremer from cross-town rivals Torino.

But Bremer is - like his new teammates Leonardo Bonucci, Daniele Rugani and Federico Gatto - a right-footer, and Juve want a natural replacement for Chiellini, who left for LAFC after 18 years at the club.

Giorgio Chiellini with an epic handball. He was subbed out minutes later
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— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) August 7, 2022

"The Serie A giants are looking toward Arsenal's Gabriel and Eintracht Frankfurt's Evan Ndicka to fill that role, with the latter's contract ending in the summer of 2023," write ESPN.

"It is suggested that Juventus are also looking at Fiorentina's Igor Julio, who has been on their radar for a matter of months."

Julio scouted

Julio was up against Juve at the heart of Fiorentina's defence on Saturday, the 24-year-old shining in a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, and club officials feel he would adapt quickly.

Gabriel has started the Premier League season in fine fettle, starting all five games as Arsenal have shot to the top of the table with a 100 per cent record. Rated at €24m by Football Transfers' inhouse algorithm, the Gunners might not be too keen to relinquish him.

N'Dicka would appear to more attainable, however. The former France under-21 centre-back is out of contract next summer, and last year's Europa League triumph appears to have been a bolt from the blue with the club now ninth in the Bundesliga.

Alex Sandro will leave Juventus next summer, denying the Old Lady another left-footed defender - albeit it one who prefers hugging the touchline.

Chiellini has had a mixed start in LA, meanwhile, the 38-year-old starting six games but subbed off in five, with a recent handball that went viral on social media.