JUVENTUS have dealt Manchester United a blow by confirming that they are in talks with Barcelona over a swap deal involving Miralem Pjanic and Arthur Melo.
The Red Devils had hoped to secure the services for Bosnian star Pjanic as part of a swap deal for wantaway midfielder Paul Pogba.
Juventus are considering a swap deal with Barcelona involving Miralem Pjanic and Arthur Melo
But the 30-year-old looks set for the Nou Camp next term after landing three consecutive titles at Juve.
The Serie A club’s chief football officer Fabio Paratici admitted that the Italian champions were in open dialogue with Barca but stopped short of naming specific players.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sport Italia, as cited by Goal, he explained: “We are speaking with them as we are with many top clubs.
“It will be a peculiar summer. We need ideas, [something like] swap deals and other new things for the next summer transfer market.”
We are speaking with them as we are with many top clubs. It will be a peculiar summer. We need ideas, [something like] swap deals
Juventus’ chief football officer
Pjanic is said to have given his go-ahead for the move to Spain despite ongoing interest from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
He has been a huge hit for the Old Lady since he joined from league rivals Roma in a £25.4million move in 2016.
Meanwhile Juve boss Maurizio Sarri remains a huge fan of 20-cap Brazil international Arthur, who has also attracted attention from Tottenham.
But the 23-year-old could yet kill any hope of a move after releasing a statement last week stating that he had no intention of leaving the LaLiga champions.
He said: “There’ll always be rumours, but I’m honestly really clear about the fact that the only option I’m interested in is staying at Barcelona. I’m really sure and relaxed about it.
“I feel very much at home here and thank the club and the coaching staff for the faith they’ve placed in me.
“That’s yet another reason that makes me totally certain that all I want to do is stay here.”
How Man Utd could line up next season with Ramsey, Rabiot or Pjanic in midfield if Pogba swap transfer is sealed
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
