Following the news that midfielder Sami Khedira could be out for up to two months with a thigh injury, there have been reports in Italy that the Serie A title-holders will make an audacious move for Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano.
While the interest remains unconfirmed, it has been suggested that the Catalan club may listen to offers in excess of €15m for the Argentine international.
The main drawback to this rumour is the fact that Barcelona would not be able sign a replacement for the highly-versatile player until January 2016 when their incoming transfer embargo ends.
Lack of midfield depth
With Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo already having departed, the injury to Khedira leaves Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri short of depth in the midfield area and Mascherano would provide a ready-made solution.
He could also offer defensive cover if either one of Giorgio Chiellini or Andrea Barzagli do not recover from their own minor injuries in time for the start of the new season.
Khedira only arrived at the club last month after leaving Real Madrid on a free transfer following an injury-ravaged spell in the Spanish capital. Between 2010 and 2014, the German international had an ongoing cruciate ligament problem that kept him on the sidelines for much of his Madrid career.
However, the latest injury is not related to that problem and the player is expected to be back in full training by October.
Move unlikely with Khedira’s fitness an ongoing concern
It seems unlikely that Blaugrana boss Luis Enrique would let the player go and leave himself short of options for the sake of a relatively small transfer fee. So if Juventus are serious about striking a deal for the former Liverpool player, they may have to come up with an offer that Barca cannot refuse; otherwise, they may have to turn their attentions elsewhere.
Either way, Khedira’s fitness will be an ongoing concern for Allegri, and targeting another midfield option should be a priority for the Turin club.
Written by Neil Morris
Follow Neil on Twitter @nmorris01
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