Report: Juventus Refuse to Budge on Man City Target Amid Transfer Talks | OneFootball

Juventus Block Manchester City’s Move for Andrea Cambiaso

Juventus have issued a clear statement on Andrea Cambiaso’s future, shutting down Manchester City’s attempts to prise the €80 million-rated full-back away from Turin. Amid growing speculation that Pep Guardiola views Cambiaso as a potential long-term replacement for Kyle Walker, Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli has emphatically denied any ongoing negotiations.

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City’s Search for Defensive Reinforcements

Manchester City’s reported interest in Cambiaso stems from uncertainty surrounding Walker’s future at the Etihad Stadium. At 34, Walker has been a vital figure in Guardiola’s defence, but links to a possible move to AC Milan have raised concerns about City’s defensive depth. Guardiola’s need for versatile players has reportedly made Cambiaso, who can operate both as a full-back and wing-back, a prime target.

Reports suggest City submitted an initial bid of €65 million (£54.7m/$67m) for the Italian international, but Juventus remain firm on their €80 million (£67m/$82m) valuation. This valuation underscores Cambiaso’s importance to Massimiliano Allegri’s squad.

Juventus’ Stance on Cambiaso’s Future

Despite City’s interest, Giuntoli’s recent comments indicate that Juventus have no intention of selling Cambiaso during this window. Speaking to Dazn, he remarked: “There are no negotiations right now, in all honesty. We want to bring players in to cover certain areas hit by long-term injuries and are not thinking about sales. No offer has arrived, if it does, then we will evaluate it.”

Juventus’ reluctance to sell could also stem from their ambition to challenge domestically and in Europe. Losing a player of Cambiaso’s calibre at this stage would represent a significant setback for their squad-building efforts.

City’s Alternatives to Cambiaso

With Juventus showing no signs of budging, Manchester City may need to explore alternative options. Reports indicate the Premier League champions are on the verge of signing Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov and Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis. However, securing a third defensive reinforcement appears more complicated, especially with Cambiaso seemingly off the table for now.

Guardiola’s desire for versatility in his defenders remains a key consideration. Cambiaso’s ability to adapt to various tactical roles would have made him an ideal fit for City’s style of play. Whether City revisit their pursuit later in the window or shift focus entirely to other targets remains to be seen.

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What Next for Cambiaso and Juventus?

As Juventus prepare for the second half of their season, retaining Cambiaso could prove crucial to their aspirations. The full-back’s development has made him a key figure in Allegri’s system, and keeping him in Turin aligns with the club’s broader ambitions.

While City’s need for defensive reinforcements is clear, Juventus’ firm stance serves as a reminder that elite talent comes at a premium. Cambiaso’s future may eventually hinge on whether City are willing to meet Juve’s demands or look elsewhere for solutions.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester City fan’s perspective, the news of Juventus refusing to negotiate over Andrea Cambiaso is undoubtedly frustrating but not entirely surprising. City have often found themselves locked in tough negotiations when targeting high-calibre players from Serie A clubs, and Juventus’ stance reflects the growing trend of European clubs holding firm on their valuations.

Cambiaso’s profile seems tailor-made for Pep Guardiola’s system. His ability to perform as both a full-back and wing-back would bring invaluable flexibility to a side that thrives on tactical adaptability. Given Walker’s advancing years and ongoing speculation over his future, finding a long-term replacement is essential.

However, some City fans might question whether meeting Juventus’ €80 million valuation is the right move. While Cambiaso is undoubtedly a talented player, City have proven adept at identifying alternatives who can thrive under Guardiola’s guidance. The imminent signings of Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis show the club’s ability to secure defensive talent at a fraction of Cambiaso’s cost.

Ultimately, City’s pursuit of Cambiaso highlights their ambition to remain at the forefront of European football. Whether this saga ends in success or frustration, Guardiola’s track record suggests City will find a solution that keeps them competitive on all fronts.