The celebrations are underway for Juventus after they clinched their fifth consecutive Italian league title. But behind the scenes, plans are already underway to strengthen the team for a full assault on both Serie A and more importantly, the Champions League next season.
 

The bianconeri will be anxious to bring in a top-class midfielder, something they failed to do last summer. The player at the top of Beppe Marotta’s list is Valencia’s Andre Gomes and the club look set to launch a full assault in the coming weeks. A defensive replacement for the departing Martin Caceres also remains a priority, one that is adept at playing both centrally and out wide. It seems that the trail leading to Bayern Munich’s Medhi Benatia is closed, with names such as Danilo, Widmer, De Sciglio and Vrsalijko now the front-runners. Up front, Domenico Berardi will arrive back in Turin as Juve look to activate the buy-back clause they have with Sassuolo, to make five forwards all with different characteristics. There will also be a new deputy for Buffon, with current number two Netto anxious for more playing time elsewhere. Current Lazio custodian Marchetti is in pole.  

Here there many possibilities, too many for the clubs liking; starting with striker Alvaro Morata, who awaits confirmation from Real Madrid that they will activate their buy-back clause. If the Spaniard goes back home, coach Allegri has made it quite clear he’s looking for a world-class replacement and PSG frontman Edinson Cavani looks to be the firm favourite. Then there is Paul Pogba, the player with a €100 million price-tag on his head. Should the Frenchman depart Turin, the bianconeri would have a sizeable transfer kitty to go shopping with and with the current injury lay-off to Marchisio, will be anxious for cover in the central area. Fernando is a name constantly linked to the club and Yaya Toure would also fit the bill perfectly.  

Few players are on the market with most of the current squad unsellable. But this could change in July of course, when the inevitable requests arrive for their crown jewels. Club executives will then need to know who has the desire to stay and who would like to seek out a new challenge.

@NicolaBalice, translation by Steve Mitchell @barafundler