Scouting Juventus Transfer Target Andre Gomes

As Juventus and their fans revel in the Bianconeri’s record-tying fifth consecutive Scudetto, the champions of Italy are likely already looking ahead to what the summer transfer window may bring.

There are several areas the Bianconeri may end up needing to strengthen this summer.  Versatile defender Martin Caceres, who will almost certainly be leaving when his contract expires, will need replacing.  Right-back is a place of need as well, as the club will require a backup for—and eventual successor to—32-year-old stalwart Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Depending on what happens with Alvaro Morata’s buyback clause, they may end up needing to pick up a striker as well.  And of course there is the ever-present desire for an attacking midfielder, something coach Massimiliano Allegri has been asking for since the end of last season.

But among Juve’s most pressing needs is one that they weren’t expecting to have—nor did they until a week ago when Claudio Marchisio tore his right ACL in the 4-0 win over Palermo.

Marchisio will be out for six months, which means Juve will need to cover for him in the vital regista position until October at least.  There are internal options to do so.  Hernanes has failed to be the trequartista he was signed to be last summer, but he has proved a capable backup for the Italy international in times of need.  Allegri has also given Olympique Marseille loanee Mario Lemina a chance at the role.

Whether Hernanes is the guy or not remains to be seen.  Juve ought to pick up the option on Lemina’s loan, but his skill set projects more as a box-to-box mid in the mold of Arturo Vidal than a deep-lying playmaker.

Juve have their eye on the market to fill this need—and perhaps another in one fell swoop.  The player in their sights?  Valencia’s Andre Gomes.

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