Juventus have had a pretty busy time of it in the transfer window, adding Amauri, Christian Poulsen, Mellberg, Antonio Chimenti and Alex Manninger to their squad. And yet, the Italian press and fans, obviously not easily appeased are already suggesting midfield options will need addressing before long, prompting the Bianconeri to start looking ahead to next summer’s offerings already.
Apparently one of the names they’re hoping will be amongst next summer’s transfers is our very own Michael Ballack. Obviously Frank Lampard shouldn’t be looking for the highest bidder next season having already signed a very generous deal at the club he ‘loves’, but with Ballack into the last year of his contract, Juve are apparently hoping he’ll be a free agent.
After a pretty poor start to his Chelsea career, Ballack was previously linked to a move to Turin in the press although that particular story died a death once his form turned around. However, with Ballack legally free to negotiate with other clubs in the January window, the link has reared its head again, with Juve rumoured to be ready to offer a contract worth £4million a year.
The suggestion seems to be that with Lampard, Essien and Obi Mikel all signed and sealed for the time being, the club are unlikely to stop Ballack joining the Italian outfit if that’s the choice he takes.
But with the German midfielder already suggesting he plans to hang up his boots in 2 years and would like to see his contract out at Chelsea, will the club extend his deal with another year or leave him open to offers?
Blue is the colour
