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Barcelona and Arsenal target open for a January transfer

By Atharva Khadilkar

TURIN, ITALY - OCTOBER 20: Medhi Benatia of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus and Genoa CFC at Allianz Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Filippo Alfero - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - OCTOBER 20: Medhi Benatia of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus and Genoa CFC at Allianz Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Filippo Alfero - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images) /
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Barcelona and Arsenal had busy transfer periods in the summer, but they are looking to invest more funds in the January transfer window…

Juventus defender Medhi Benatia has opened up on his possible exit from Turin and has stated that he could leave the club in January. The Morocco international said:

"“January? Let’s see what happens, how I’m used, if Juve still need me, if [coach Max] Allegri wants me…I’m available to the team, as long as I’m here I’ll give my all. If I’m needed in the Champions League I’ll be ready.”"

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Barcelona are thought to be leading the race for the central defender ahead of Arsenal. The Catalans are looking for cover at the central defensive position after losing out Samuel Umtiti to an indefinitely lengthy injury in September. Thomas Vermaelen has also been marred with fitness issues and that’s left Ernesto Valverde with only Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet in the centre of defence. Just as a backup, the manager has been calling up Chumi Brandariz from the academy, but he’s certainly looking for an experienced lad.

Medhi Benatia has fallen down the pecking order at the Allianz Stadium after the arrival of Leonardo Bonucci from Milan. Giorgio Chiellini is virtually indispensable and Max Allegri has preferred Andrea Barzagli over Benatia on a certain occasions as well. Not to mention, 24-year-old Daniele Rugani has also been growing at a tremendous rate.

If Juventus take a decision over Benatia’s sale by this winter and he is deemed surplus to requirements, Barcelona or Arsenal could tussle in January for his signatures. The Morocco international has ample experience of playing football on the very top-level after being on the books of Bayern Munich and Juventus in recent years. The 31-year-old also played for AS Roma in the 2013-14 campaign.

Between Barcelona and Arsenal, it would certainly be the former who will benefit from the centre back’s signings. While obviously they need to have enough options in the central defender’s position, Gerard Pique also has been unable to orchestrate consistency of late. Thomas Vermaelen has been lacklustre as well and at a top club like Barcelona, there cannot be any experiments made that could lead to catastrophes.

The Gunners already have the world-class likes of Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis in addition to the young and formidable Rob Holding and hence, they can afford to lose out on Benatia’s signatures.

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How much do you think the Old Lady of Turin will demand for Benatia’s services?

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