The Rumour
As per one of the latest reports by CalcioMercato, Leicester City have emerged as one the sides keeping close tabs on Stefano Sturaro, who is apparently an outcast in the ranks Juventus. The Italians giants have reportedly slapped a price tag of €20million on Sturaro’s collar.
Juventus consider him as surplus to their requirements and are keen to sell him after Cristiano Ronaldo’s smashing £105.30million move from Real Madrid. Meanwhile, it will be intriguing to see which club has the last laugh regarding the signing of Sturaro.
Apart from the Foxes, their fellow Premier League sides Newcastle United and West Ham United are also believed to be in the race to make him sign on the dotted line. Frankfurt, Genoa and Fiorentina have pulled themselves out of the race to sign him despite their interest earlier this summer due to his hefty price.
Fact File
Sturaro emerged through the youth ranks of Sanremese and Genoe and he started his senior career with the latter. While he was on their books, he was loaned out to Modena before he moved to the Allianz Stadium for €9.5 million in the summer transfer window of 2014. Besides, he has also represented the Italian national side on a few occasions.
Attributes
Predominantly a central midfielder, Sturaro is capable enough to ply his trade on the left flank as well as a right-back. He is good at keeping possession and he tries to dictate the tempo of the game from the middle of the park with his vision and passes.
Although he isn’t one of the best in the game in terms of being offensive, he makes a lot of defensive contributions for his side. The 25-year-old needs to work on his crossing, discipline and has to be consistent in order to make an impact in the English top flight if his move materializes.
A Good Deal For All Parties
Sturaro managed to muster just 7 starts in Serie A last season and it goes without saying that he is not in the plans of Massimiliano Allegri. He needs to venture into a new endeavour to resurrect his career and the Premier League has been an appealing destination for quite some time now.
Claude Puel has already lured quality players like James Maddison, Ricardo Pereira Jonny Evans and Danny Ward to the King Power Stadium. Getting hold of Sturaro should be their final piece of the jigsaw, for he has the calibre to strengthen their midfield considerably.