It’s becoming a war of nerves between Juventus and Zenit St Petersburg over Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel. The 26-year-old Belgian international has been onr of the hottest names on this summer’s transfer market and his arrival in Turin before the August 31 deadline could still become a reality.
 

Juve executives continue to work in synergy with coach Allegri to pick the right midfielder at the right price and whilst Witsel is only one of several names linked to a move to Turin, in the short-term he could be the best target. The player wants to leave Russia and his contract expires next summer; Everton are keen and have already offered €30 million but Witsel himself does not seem keen on a switch to Merseyside. Juve themselves have tabled an €18 million bid which has was rejected immediately; the bianconeri may be persuaded to raise the offer to €23 million but not a penny more. Zenit have never been desperate for the cash but a failure to make this season’s Champions League has become a major factor for both the club and the player. Therefore, with 12 days of the window remaining, it’s a war of nerves between the two clubs.


By Nicola Balice. Adapted and translated by Steve Mitchell