High-profile Liverpool exit triggers Juventus interest to ease struggles, though rival duo also keen
Roberto Firmino has aroused interest from Juventus, as it has been announced he will leave Liverpool, though Inter Milan and AC Milan are also keen on the striker.
Firmino has been one of Liverpool’s most influential assets for much of his time at the club. Indeed, he’s frequently starred during the reign of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
That’s reinforced by the 185 goals he’s been directly involved in during his 353 appearances for the club.
After missing a good deal of last season through injury, he came back with a bang at the start of the current campaign. Indeed, he contributed to nine goals in his first seven league games this term.
His total tally for goals and assists in the league this term is a combined 10 in 17 games. As such, despite new attacking talent coming through the door this season – Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo – it seems he’s still a key player for Klopp.
However, it appears Firmino doesn’t quite see things in the same light. Indeed, his contract is up at the end of the season, and while he was reportedly “destined to stay” in February, it seems that’s not the case.
Multiple sources, including Florian Plettenberg, have reported the Brazilian has communicated his decision to move on when his deal ends.
As such, this will be his last few months as a Liverpool player, before he moves on to a new challenge.
Juventus on high alert along with rival duo
Of course, the question will now be where will Firmino end up. Inter Milan reportedly have a long-standing interest in the Reds forward.
That is reinforced by Football Italia, who report along with Inter, Serie A rivals AC Milan and Juventus are keen.
Each have their own valid reasons for wanting to take Firmino on board, beyond the fact he’s a quality option. Inter’s interest has been reported for a while and it seems they are very keen on competing the signing.
Their local rivals AC are reportedly ‘known to be looking for a reliable forward at a low cost’. A great asset like Firmino coming through the door for free would be a great result for any club.
Juventus could also see this as an opportunity amid some off-field issues which may soon rear their head on the pitch.
Firmino a top forward replacement
The Old Lady were recently deducted 15 points following an investigation into artificial inflation of transfer fees.
As such, there is a question over whether they might be forced to sell some big names. There are reports circling that a number of big clubs are waiting in the wings to see if they’ll be ‘forced to downsize’ and sell Dusan Vlahovic.
If that is the case, a new striker wouldn’t go amiss. If Vlahovic departs, it’ll be as a result of the financial situation they’ve found themselves in.
As such, a striker who is still banging in goals at 31 years of age joining for nothing would be a top replacement. Juventus will hope they can convince the Brazilian into joining the club over their rivals, so they remain competitive.
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