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Tottenham target Boufal could be Juventus' new trequartista
Even worse, the Dogues have only netted four times, a catastrophic score for a club whose recent strikers include Pierre-Alan Frau, Solomon Kalou, Moussa Sow and Divock Origi.
And it now looks like the youngster responsible for three of those goals could find more clubs knocking on his door come winter: his name is Sofiane Boufal, a classy, versatile attacking midfielder who can also play as a false nine.
The 22-year-old came to everyone’s attention last season, when his four goals and three assists in fourteen games for Angers helped him earn Ligue 2’s MVP award for the first half of the season.
Sensing an opportunity, Lille spent a paltry €3 million, and were repaid with a six-goal performance in the second half of the 2014-2015 season. Tottenham, Milan and Juventus have since made enquiries about him, with Tottenham even sending scouts to watch him play, according to Ligue 1 expert Andrew Gibney.
Though Juan Cuadrado has been very good since joining Juventus on loan, it’s not like the Turinese side looks down its nose at young, talented French midfielders, with the likes of Paul Pogba and Kingsley Coman starting at the Stadium in the last three seasons.
And Boufal is exactly what coach Max Allegri has been begging ownership for, a trequartista who is best used behind the striker, with his propensity for assists and a fierce shot.
Comparisons have been made with former Newcastle man Hatem Ben Arfa, for both good and bad: Boufal’s immense talent is still counterbalanced by an occasionally lethargic approach, something the Old Lady has to take into consideration.
With Michel Seydoux’s club forced to sell last season because of a €20 million debt, the time could be right for Juventus to make the Dogues’ president a reasonable offer. With Boufal’s price tag set around €7 million, the Bianconeri may get as big a bargain that Lens got ten months ago.
It’s not like Marotta and Paratici don’t have an eye for bargains, is it?
