Federico Chiesa’s fateful cruciate ligament injury during Juventus’ stunning comeback victory over Jose Mourinho’s Roma at Stadio Olimpico has forced the Bianconeri to hunt for reinforcements before the end of the current winter window.
One name that has been linked time and again is Zenit St.Petersburg forward Sardar Azmoun. The Iranian marksman, who has been chased by other European clubs since entering the spotlight last summer, will see his contract in Russia expire at the end of the current domestic season in June 2022.
?️ "He could be a real star of Iranian and Asian football for years to come."
?? Sardar Azmoun impressing in Europe ⚽️#UCL pic.twitter.com/CMTvfCDu67
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 3, 2022
According to reports from Eurosport (Via TUTTOmercatoweb), Juventus are now the frontrunners for the 27-year-old’s signature, irrespective of Alvaro Morata’s stance of staying or leaving the Bianconeri. The Spanish striker is however touted to stay put in Max Allegri’s ranks atleast until the end of the season. Azmoun has appeared 21 times for Zenit this season already, scoring 10 goals and providing 4 assists in the process.
(TS) "Juventus – Zenit: trattativa ad oltranza per Azmoun. Nuovi contatti con i russi, i bianconeri spingono per pagarlo con dei bonus" —> https://t.co/OainCbVl4g pic.twitter.com/YZipKiFUUO
— VecchiaSignora.com (@forumJuventus) January 17, 2022
No concrete offer has been made yet by Juventus for the striker, unlike Olympique Lyonnais, who are said to have offered a renewed €4m deal for his services, according to French media.
On a different note, Zenit CEO Alexander Medvedev recently said that he is ‘99% confident that Azmoun will not leave this winter.’ (via Sports.ru)
Juventus sporting director Federico Cherubini also has other targets in his sights – including former Inter marksman Mauro Icardi, Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Manchester United outcast Anthony Martial.