azzurri's online diary - Juventus News July 09 to July 15

Friday 15 July

Terms agreed with Juventus for transfer of Patrick Vieira

Arsenal.com - Arsenal Official Statement

Arsenal Football Club can confirm that terms have been agreed for the transfer of Patrick Vieira to Juventus for a total fee of 20 million Euros. At this stage, Patrick is now finalising his personal terms and conditions with Juventus.

The Club would like to take this opportunity to recognise the enormous contribution Patrick has made to Arsenal since he joined as Arsène Wenger's first signing in 1996. During his time at the Club, Patrick made over 400 first team appearances, with three years as Captain and was instrumental in the Club winning three Premiership titles and the FA Cup on four occasions.

Also during his time at Arsenal, Patrick enjoyed great success with the French national team, by winning the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championships in 2000. He also became the Captain of France and made a total of 79 caps for France as an Arsenal player.

Everyone at Arsenal Football Club wish Patrick the best of luck for the future.

Speaking to Arsenal.com, Manager Arsène Wenger said: “I share the sadness with our supporters that Patrick has left us, but on the other hand I would say to them trust us and support us. We’ll be strong next season and we need you behind us like you have always been. We will not disappoint you.

"Patrick was a great player for us, one of the greatest in the Club’s history and I feel I had a special relationship with him because I made him come here. I think his impact, not only at Arsenal but in English football overall was just tremendous.

"The sad thing is that he leaves us, but the good thing is that he leaves us on a high. His last kick for the Club was symbolic as it won us the FA Cup. Patrick will always be special for Arsenal Football Club, always in our hearts and our minds. All I can do is thank him for all he gave to the Club and wish him well in his career."

Patrick Vieira added: “When you spend nine years at the Club, like I did, it is a difficult decision to leave. But in the end you have to make a choice for your future. It was a very difficult decision, but I am happy with it.

"I made the decision to leave because I felt it was time for me to have a new challenge. But that does not mean I was unhappy or that I was having a problem at Arsenal. It was just that I had the feeling I needed to grow and meet a new challenge, and I feel Juventus was the best challenge for me.

"I‘d like to thank the Arsenal fans. They have been fabulous. Even recently in the street they were saying ‘if you are going, then thanks for the last nine years’. That is really touching and it makes me feel that I gave my best for the Club.

"I can go with my head held high. I did my best every day in training and in every match, and I left shaking the hand of Arsène Wenger and Mr Dein. That was really important to me."

Vieira set to pen Juve deal

Football Italia

Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira will be wearing the Juventus shirt next season, insist reports in Italy. The Serie A outfit held further talks with the Highbury club last night, where a transfer fee of between £13m and £18m is thought to have been agreed.

"We are on the verge of signing him," said director general Luciano Moggi. "The deal should be completed this afternoon."

The French international will reportedly sign a five-year deal in Turin worth just under £2m a season. The midfielder, tied to Arsenal until 2007, has been linked with the Stadio Delle Alpi outfit for some weeks after Juve admitted their interest in him.

Initial talks took place last week before the Juventus triad of Moggi, Roberto Bettega and Antonio Giraudo flew into London for further discussions last night. The Bianconeri initially offered a player plus cash deal but the Highbury outfit rejected, insisting they wanted cash only or Jonathan Zebina – a player Juve don’t want to lose.

Juventus will now look to cover the cost involved in Vieira’s swoop by selling off a host of their squad players. Fabrizio Miccoli, Igor Tudor and Enzo Maresca are just three men who will be sold during the summer.

The proposed arrival of Vieira will now significantly strengthen the Juventus midfield, as he will slot in alongside Mauro Camoranesi, Emerson and Pavel Nedved. Vieira, who has already worked under boss Fabio Capello during a spell at Milan, could put pen to paper on a contract by the end of this week.

Juventus are also interested in signing Robert Pires, who is currently in the middle of contract talks with the Premiership outfit.

Juventus sign Vieira – official

Football Italia

Serie A champions Juventus have confirmed the £14m capture of Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira. The central midfielder, who will now partner Brazilian ace Emerson, has signed a five-year contract at the Stadio Delle Alpi. The Bianconeri have been in talks for the 29-year-old for the last few weeks and a deal has been completed.

Vieira will now link up with boss Fabio Capello again after a brief stint at the San Siro almost a decade ago. The Frenchman joins the side despite being strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid over the last two summers. Vieira ends his Premiership stint after nine years in England since he became Arsène Wenger’s first signing at the London club.

"When you spend nine years at the club, like I did, it is a difficult decision to leave," Vieira told Arsenal.com. "But in the end you have to make a choice for your future. It was a very difficult decision, but I am happy with it.

"I can go with my head held high. I did my best every day in training and in every match, and I left shaking the hand of Arsène Wenger and Mr David Dein. That was really important to me."

Arsenal have accepted to sell the combative player given that his contract was set to expire in June 2007. It is understood that Juventus will pay the fee in three instalments - £7m immediately, £3.5m in July 2006 and £3.5m in July 2007.

The Bianconeri are now expected to strengthen their side further by trying to sign Antonio Cassano of Roma.

Nedved: I Want The Champions League!

Goal.com

The Czech player restated his desire to win Europe’s top competition. Pavel Nedved is looking forward to the new season as the Juve player just signed a two year extension to his deal.

"When Juve offered me the renewal of the contract up till 2008, I couldn’t resist. We are preparing ourselves for a season at the top. Contrary to last year we have improved and we’re more expert on the international pitch."

According to Nedved, the main objective for Juventus remains the same. "Everyone knows, I want to win the Champions League." And to win the Champions League, Nedved is convinced that David Trezeguet will be fundamental. "We all know what he’s worth when he’s fine. He lived a difficult year, but now he will be our extra weapon."

Sevilla In Maresca Talks

Goal.com

Sevilla are set to sign out-of-favour Juventus midfielder Enzo Maresca after talks between the two clubs took place in Italy, scuppering any interest from Fulham.

The Spanish club’s technical secretary, Ramón Rodríguez - who is known as Monchi, travelled to Turin to discuss the deal only days after Juve regained 100 per cent of Maresca’s contract after holding 50 per cent of it with Fiorentina.

Maresca spent last season on loan at Fiore, with Fabrizio Miccoli, but the duo were jeered when they returned to the Juventus club by a section of fans after saying they wished that they had stayed in Florence.

Juve director general, Luciano Moggi, is keen to off-load Maresca and there has been interest from several clubs including his former club West Bromwich Albion and Fulham from the Premiership.

It was reported that Moggi was keen to use the player in a player-plus-cash deal to lure some of Juve's prime targets to the club, but having captured Patrick Vieira that may no longer be necessary.

Maresca returned to Italy from the Hawthorns in 1999 in a €6million move, but has failed to impress at the club and has spent loan spells at Bologna, Piacenza and Fiore.

The bid for Maresca could pave the way for Julio Baptista to move after Sevilla president José María del Nido confessed that he may not be able to stop the Brazilian from leaving.

Del Nido also confessed that if Baptista were to leave then the Andalucian outfit would move quickly to bring in a replacement for him and Maresca could be that option.

Juventus chief denies interest for Arsenal's Pires

Tribal Football

Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has dismissed reports linking them with Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires. Confirming the deal for Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, Moggi declared: "Pires? We're not interested in him." Pires' agent, Stephan Courbuis, claimed yesterday that Juve were frontrunners for the midfielder's signature.

Legrottaglie: I’m not finished!

Football Italia

Nicola Legrottaglie is hungry to prove his worth after he completed his loan move from Juventus to Siena. The stopper was tipped for a bight future after breaking into the Italian national side, but he’s struggled since his move to Juventus two years ago.

The Turin giants have again opted to loan him out, following his spell at Bologna last term, and the former Chievo player is ready to silence his critics. "Give me some faith," said the central defender. "I’ve not become a poor player and I’ll demonstrate that I still deserve to play at the highest levels.

"There was no room for me in the team in Turin, even if I had hoped that I would be given another chance. But Siena believe in me and I think this is the ideal opportunity for me to return to the player I was 24 months ago."

Thursday 14 July

Trez focused on Juve stay

Football Italia

Juventus striker David Trezeguet insists there has never been any question of him leaving the Turin club this summer. The France international has attracted the interest of Chelsea in recent weeks and many observers expected the Bianconeri to cash in to fund their pursuit of Alberto Gilardino, but the Parma ace now looks set to join Milan.

"Juve never told me about any negotiations relating to me and I've never thought of going anywhere else," he said. "The club have faith in me and I want to show Fabio Capello the real Trezeguet, the one he hasn't seen yet."

Indeed, the 27-year-old is firmly focused on the season ahead, and he has already identified a number of targets. "I'm on 96 goals with Juve, and I hope to reach 100 and pass Michel Platini's 104 – it's a mythic figure. Plus I want to score the winning goal in the Champions' League final next season. We want to win everything, but the Champions' League is our main objective."

Juventus chief Moggi: Arsenal's Vieira signs today

Football Italia

Juventus director general Luciano Moggi says they will sign Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira this afternoon. Moggi said: "We are on the verge of signing him. The deal should be completed this afternoon."

Juve are believed to be ready to pay up to £18m for the 29-year-old French international midfielder. Vieira is understood to have agreed personal terms earlier this week with Juve over a five-year contract worth £85,000 a week.

Vieira to sign today?

Football Italia

The Italian Press have confidently predicted that Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira will sign for Juventus by the end of the day. The French midfield player is said to have agreed terms on a contract with the Bianconeri, which will net him £2m a season until 2009.

It will also allow him to link up again with Fabio Capello, who was Coach during his short spell at Milan as a 19-year-old. At that time, the Senegal-born player found it hard to adapt to life in the top-flight of Italian football, but has since matured into one of the most complete midfield players in world football during his time at Highbury.

Juventus Vice-president Roberto Bettega has said that Juve are in the market for a midfield player to partner Brazilian Emerson, and that “if Arsenal decide to sell Vieira we would be in for him tomorrow.” But Bettega also stated: “I don’t tell lies – I have been asked if I plan to travel to London the day after tomorrow and I said no. That is the truth.”

However, Corriere dello Sport insist that the deal will be concluded today for a fee of £10.5m

“I will only comment once everything has been sealed. We are interested in Vieira, but we are also interested in other players,” Juventus transfer guru Luciano Moggi said. “Juventus always keep an eye on the transfer market, and if deals can be done, we will do them - but if Arsenal want too high a fee, nothing will happen.”

Gazzetta dello Sport also insist that the player and Juventus have agreed personal terms, and that the stumbling block is Arsenal’s valuation of £11.5m.

Arsenal's Vieira happy with Juventus terms

Tribal Football

Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has agreed personal terms with Juventus. Juve remain favourites to land the midfielder. They were still haggling over the £14million asking price yesterday but the word from Italy was they were "very close".

Juve have so far offered a partial cash deal plus any number of players in exchange - including midfield stars Stephen Appiah and Manuele Blasi, striker Fabrizio Miccoli, left-back Giorgio Chiellini and centre-half Igor Tudor. Arsenal had already turned down £6m plus Ghanaian international Appiah.

Vieira has talked with Juve and is happy with the personal terms on offer. The World Cup-winner would pocket £80,000 a week on a four-year contract.

Highbury boss Arsene Wenger has always stood strongly behind his captain, insisting he wanted him to stay at Highbury. But, last night, the French gaffer was non-committal and said of Vieira's future: "It's up to him." No one at Arsenal has told Vieira they want him to stay. So it seems likely the Gunners top brass have deemed him surplus to requirements.

Real Madrid ponder late bid for Arsenal's Vieira

Tribal Football

Real Madrid could still trump Juventus for Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira. The Telegraph says Vieira held talks with Juventus yesterday but Real Madrid are monitoring the situation closely and could hijack his move to Italy. Reports indicate Vieira is close to agreeing a four-year deal worth about £4 million a year to go to Italy.

Arsenal refused to comment on the increasing likelihood that the Frenchman was close to ending his nine-year association with the club, though it is understood that Juventus have increased their offer, from just over £12 million to about £15 million.

Juventus chief Giraudo: We want Arsenal's Vieira

Tribal Football

Juventus executive director Antonio Giraudo has confirmed their push for Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira. The two clubs are understood to have agreed a fee of £12.3 million for the Gunners captain this week and Giraudo said: "The Frenchman is a player of great quality, as a player and a man.

"There is no doubt he interests us, but it is difficult to tear him from Arsenal, a very solid club. We say that at the moment there are not the conditions in order to close the negotiation."

Juve Want Arsenal’s Pires Too

Goal.com

As well as pursuing their interest in Patrick Vieira, Juventus are also being linked with Arsenal’s Robert Pires - according to his agent. Stephane Courbis claims that the Old Lady are chasing Pires after dismissing rumours of a move to Galatasaray.

Courbis told Turkish newspaper Vatan: “We haven’t got an offer from that club. Right now Juventus is the only interested party. The price of our player is £2.75 million a year. Lowering the price is not an issue you can discuss. It is not possible that Pires can go to any club in Turkey.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was not aware of Gala’s interest either. “We haven’t got an offer from their manager nor anybody else. I am hearing for the first time that Galatasaray are interested.” Pires, 32, was offered a one-year contract by Wenger, but the former Marseille star wants a two-year deal.

However, Galatasaray’s vice-president, Turgay Kiran, insists that the club are serious bidders for Pires. He said: “The talks are going on. Since Pires lowered his price, the chance of a deal going through is getting higher.”

Juventus chief Giraudo: No deal for Roma's Cassano - this year

Tribal Football

Juventus chief Antonio Giraudo admits AS Roma striker Antonio Cassano isn't a priority signing for the Serie A champs. Giraudo said yesterday: "Cassano is a great talent, but we already have five big name attackers. With this the case, we do not expect him to come to Juventus - this year."

Juve know that Cassano's ideal move from Roma would be to Turin and a reunion with his old coach Fabio Capello. With Cassano's deal now inside it's final year, Juve can secure him to a pre-contract in January and land the Italy international on a Bosman next June.

Juventus invite Middlesbrough to try for Appiah

Tribal Football

Middlesbrough are ready to make an offer for Juventus midfielder Stephen Appiah. The Guardian says Boro boss Steve McClaren plans to fund the deal by selling striker Mark Viduka to Newcastle United. Boro have been tracking the 24-year-old Ghanaian for some time and have been informed by Juventus that they would be prepared to sell should they attract Vieira from Arsenal.

Miccoli makes Juve vow

Football Italia

Fabrizio Miccoli has promised Juventus fans that he is not in Turin just to make up the numbers. Miccoli had angered fans while on loan to Fiorentina from Juventus, when he was quoted as saying that “it would be a tragedy” if he was called back to Juve.

However, he said at the Bianconeri’s training camp: “I have always shown respect to the shirt I wear. I am a professional football player. I always give 100 percent and I am not here to be a piece of furniture.”

But striker Miccoli continues to be named among a whole host of players linked with a move away from the club. Others tipped for the Delle Alpi scrapheap are midfielders Enzo Maresca, Stephen Appiah and Alessio Tacchinardi, and defender Igor Tudor.

Meanwhile, fresh from being released from his Juventus contract and signing for Argentine side River Plate, Chilean striker Marcello Salas is again without a club. The injury-prone hitman has walked out on his new employers following a bitter dispute over pay.

“Salas did not accept the wages we offered him to sign a contract extension – therefore he is no longer part of the squad,” commented River Plate President Jose Maria Aguillar.

Wednesday 13 July

Alex retains winning mentality

Football Italia

Alessandro Del Piero has urged his Juventus teammates to start the new season in the same manner that they ended the last campaign. Despite winning Lo Scudetto, the Bianconeri have made some classy additions to the squad and Del Piero believes it is up to the current players to pass on their winning mentality.

“Our competitive attitude is always the same and we’ll try to have it from the very beginning, to keep on winning,” said the Juve skipper. “Last season ended in a great way and we have what it takes to repeat ourselves.

“We’ll be playing on three fronts and it’s the Coppa Italia which is our first target,” he joked. “In fact, we haven’t won it for a long time.”

And who would be the biggest rivals to Juve’s crown?

“Milan has an outstanding attack, made of great players, but Inter too is a well equipped team,” he added. “On paper, the Scudetto race will be reserved to us and the Milan clubs but, as always, what happens on the pitch will reveal the truth.”

Juventus agree fee with Arsenal for Vieira

Tribal Football

Juventus have moved closer to sealing a deal for Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira. The Telegraph says reports from Italy claim that Juventus are close to agreeing a fee of about £12.3 million for the French midfielder.

Vieira turned down a move to Real Madrid last summer and claimed at the end of last season that he had no intention of leaving Highbury, but the Italian champions are now closing in. David Trezeguet, Vieira's French international team-mate, speaking at Juventus' Salice Terme summer training camp, hinted that a move was on. "Vieira would be an extraordinary addition for us," Trezeguet said.

One possibility is a swap deal. Luciano Moggi, the Juventus director in charge of transfer activity, said: "Of course we are still concentrated on the transfer market. "In the probable case that the chance comes along perhaps it could be done with a player exchange, but our team is already competitive on all fronts, even though some players might evidently leave in exchanges."

Vieira was formerly with AC Milan when Fabio Capello, now the Juventus coach, was in charge. Vieira played only a handful of senior games at Milan before moving to Arsenal for £3.5 million as Wenger's first signing as manager in August 1996.

Gunners consider Vieira bid

SkySports

Arsenal have confirmed that Juventus are interested in their captain Patrick Vieira, with chairman Peter Hill-Wood admitting they had not decided whether to sell him or not.

Vieira came close to leaving Highbury last season when Real Madrid came calling and, in the same manner as Steven Gerrard, the saga has arisen again this year. This time it is Juventus who have rekindled their long-term interest in the 29-year-old midfielder, and Arsenal have admitted they will inform the player of the Italians' interest.

Hill-Wood will hardly fill Gunners fans with confidence as he admits that the board will consider selling Vieira, although he said he thought they would want him to stay at Highbury.

"I gather they (Juventus) have made enquiries but we are very undecided as to whether we are going to talk to them or not," Hill-Wood told the Daily Star. "Patrick is aware they have approached us and it all very much depends on what they offer and what he wants to do. In a situation like this, you have to listen to what they say and tell the player about it.

"It would be very, very difficult to replace Patrick. We have a board meeting in about a week's time and I am sure we will discuss it then. We have not decided what we want to do, but my gut feeling is we would very much like him to stay."

Hill-Wood dismissed accusations that Vieira was below-par last season, saying he played a full part in their FA Cup success.

"He had a fantastic season. People say he wasn't as good as before but I don't think so. He played 44 games for us and Arsene Wenger is not going to pick him 44 times if he doesn't rate him as a player any more."

For their part, Juventus are playing it cagey and insist they would only be dealing in player exchanges this summer. "Our team is ready for the new season," said general manager Luciano Moggi. "We should not forget that we won the Scudetto with a seven-point margin and the best attacking and defensive record.

"We don't need to revolutionise our squad. Obviously we will keep our eyes open to see if there is a good opportunity for us on the transfer market, but we will sign players only in exchange for other players."

Juve coy over Vieira pursuit

SkySports

Juventus are remaining cautious over their interest in Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, despite The Gunners indicating they would think seriously about an offer for their midfield talisman.

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood surprisingly announced on Tuesday that the North London board were yet to decide whether they would welcome an approach for the player who has made such a significant contribution to Arsene Wenger's seven major trophies at Highbury.

The Bianconeri have persistently been coy over their pursuit of the French star, despite Italian media reports that general manager Luciano Moggi again travelled to London on Monday night to enter into talks with his Arsenal contemporary David Dein.

Rumours abound of a potential swap deal involving French stopper Jonathan Zebina or Ghanaian starlet Stephen Appiah, with Juve making a concerted effort to land the 29-year-old who has long been a favourite of Spanish giants Real Madrid.

However after landing the Scudetto last season Bianconeri boss Fabio Capello is currently happy with the roster of players at his disposal, and insisted that the club would not be rushed into any superfluous purchases.

"I don't exclude new arrivals if it will improve the squad, we don't just buy for the sake of it," said Capello. "In comparison to last year we will have the important players from the beginning, we have the right mentality to be competitive and to win."

Moggi also insisted that he was happy with the state of the playing staff at Stadio Delle Alpi, although conceded that a part exchange deal could be set up if the right opportunity arose.

"Of course we remain concentrated on the market," said Moggi. "In the improbable case that a chance comes along, perhaps it would be done with a player exchange. Of course some players may evidently leave but our team is done, it's competitive on all fronts."

If Zebina is sacrificed in a bid to land Senegalese-born Vieira then Juve could turn their attentions to Lazio's Massimo Oddo, and Juventus president Franzo Grande Stevens was more forthcoming about the club's chances of further action in the transfer market.

""I don't exclude that Moggi can do something else," said Stevens. "Juve's transfer market is still open and there is still time to make some exchanges."

Whilst the Italian outfit continue to try to hammer out a deal for Vieira, fellow French star David Trezeguet is hoping to put aside the injury troubles that afflicted his campaign last season and claim his 100th goal in the Bianconeri shirt.

The Chelsea target, speaking from the club's summer camp in Salice Terme, voiced his desire to underline his status as one of Europe's most devastating forwards.

"I'm missing only four goals [to reach 100], just eight to join a star like Michel Platini," said Trezeguet. "Last season talking about it was unlucky, so it's better not talking. Last year I had many physical problems and I've been stopped for a long time. But now I feel good, I hope to have no more problems because I want to play a season as a hero."

Juventus rival AC Milan for Lazio's Oddo

Tribal Football

Juventus have made an approach to Lazio for fullback Massimo Oddo. Oddo is wanted by AC Milan, but Lazio president Claudio Lotito's £3.5 million asking price is proving too steep for the Champions League finalists. Juve have asked to be kept informed of Oddo's situation as they consider the Italy international as a replacement for Jonathan Zebina.

Zebina could be included in a cash plus player offer for Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira. If Juve's bid is accepted, they will turn to Oddo as a replacement for the Frenchman. Juve are prepared to send Andrea Masiello and Alessandro Birindelli to Lazio, plus £700,000 cash, in exchange for Oddo.

Reggina president expects Juventus approach for Mozart

Tribal Football

Reggina president Lillo Foti has confirmed Juventus want to sign midfielder Mozart. Talks have cooled between the clubs in the past fortnight as Juve pursue Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, however Foti expects the Serie A champs to return to the negotiating table should a deal for the Gunners midfielder fall through.

"Mozart has clearly been interesting Juventus for a long time," said Foti. "But it isn't just them, his excellence has attracted the interest of many Italian clubs. He has caused great interest in both the domestic and international markets."

Juventus fans boo Maresca, Miccoli

Tribal Football

Juventus pair Enzo Marseca and Fabrizio Miccoli were booed by fans as the players reported for preseason training yesterday. Both Miccoli and Maresca were scathing of their time at Juve last season while on-loan at Fiorentina and were hoping to stay in Florence.

They were welcomed back to Juve by boos and whistling from angry supporters yesterday. However, it's unlikely either player will start the season at the Serie A champs.

Tuesday 12 July

Capello targets Roma trio

Football Italia

Juventus want to swap Adrian Mutu, Giorgio Chiellini and Santos Mozart for Roma trio Antonio Cassano, Christian Panucci and Amantino Mancini, papers in Italy speculate today. Juve boss Fabio Capello wants to link up again with the capital threesome, and Juventus are said to be ready to offload three players from a group of seven the Coach does not see as part of his plans for next season.

Mutu, Chiellini and Mozart, as well as Alessandro Birindelli, Enzo Maresca, Fabrizio Miccoli and Manuele Blasi, plus a cash sum of up to £4m, will all be used as bait to tempt Roma to sell. Reggina midfielder Mozart, 25, has not yet been officially revealed as a Juventus player, but Reggina President Lillo Foti yesterday said that the combative Brazilian will move to Turin.

"Our captain (Mozart) is on his way to Juventus. But I don’t think he will be playing for them next season," commented Foti. Juventus have already bought the player, and may do two things with him - send him to Udinese in exchange for David Pizarro, or to Roma, as part of a deal for Cassano."

The Juve-Roma mega-swap deal hinges on the Giallorossi’s successfully appealing their transfer embargo imposed by FIFA for the transfer of Philippe Mexes last season.

Capello sees Milan threat

Football Italia

Coach Fabio Capello expects the biggest threat to Juventus’ Scudetto next season to come from the two Milan sides.

"Milan will be looking to bounce back from last season, while Inter will be boosted by their success in the Coppa Italia," he said on Monday. "Both sides already have strong squads, and both are still looking to strengthen them."

Meanwhile, any hopes of new signings Capello had have been dampened by Juventus transfer mogul Luciano Moggi.

"Everyone keeps talking about the players Juventus will sign, but you are all forgetting that last season we won the League by seven clear points," said Moggi. "We also had the best defensive and attacking records in Serie A. Why would we want new players?"

Moggi went on: "The Juventus transfer rumours have been blown out of all proportion. We have already signed important players and we don’t need any more. The side as it is today is more than OK. But we are still on the look out for some transfer bargains.

"The only deals we are interested in are swap deals. But, whatever happens, we will continue to be a thorn in the side of our rivals next season too."

The Juventus squad met up for pre-season training today with unsettled stars Fabrizio Miccoli and Enzo Maresca also present. The pair are largely regarded as two of the players Moggi was referring to as pawns in transfer swaps, and was quoted in Italian papers as referring to Miccoli as "our piggy-bank."

On Juventus’ hopes for the season, Capello said: "Our main objective is winning the Champions’ League. We have a good enough squad, both quantitatively and qualitatively to win it."

He went on: "We all know each other better than last year, which is good, as team spirit will be crucial this season. The World Cup Finals means there will be five midweek rounds in Serie A, so with all our other commitments, it promises to be a tough season all round."

Capello added that he sees Chelsea and Barcelona as Juve’s main opposition for the Champions’ League.

Moggi: No More Purchases

Goal.com

The Juventus transfer guru denied all the market rumours surrounding the Bianconeri. Luciano Moggi laughed off all the recent speculations, as Juventus have been linked to some big names in the past weeks.

“You’re all talking about the fact that Juventus must buy to strengthen itself, but you forget that on the pitch we ended with a seven point advantage, also having the best defence and attack: why should we strengthen ourselves?”

Moggi does not think that the Bianconeri will be adding more players to the squad, but if a special chance comes up the Old Lady’s General Director will take it.

“The transfer rumours that circulate around us are exaggerated. We have already brought important pawns, we don’t need any more. Juventus is already fine like this. However we shall look around us to see if there are any chances. The only thing that interests us is player exchanges. And we shall also annoy our opponents.”

Juventus chief hints at AC Milan clause for Arsenal's Vieira

Tribal Football

Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has hinted their push for Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira could be scuppered by a clause in his original transfer documents from AC Milan. Moggi has floated the possibility that Milan had inserted in Vieira's move to Arsenal a clause denying him a return to Serie A.

The Juve chief explained: "Milan have found themselves in this situation before. Perhaps Inter could have avoided losing Seedorf and Pirlo to Milan if they had had such a clause. When I sold Zidane, I put in a clause: no Italy return for two years."

Juventus offer player swaps for Arsenal's Vieira

Tribal Football

Juventus have offered a player swap for Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira. The Guardian says Arsenal are demanding £15 million for Vieira, but Juve do have the available funds to make a straight cash offer. Juventus's general manager and transfer guru Luciano Moggi said the Bianconeri will only negotiate exchange deals or sign players on free transfers.

"Our team is ready for the new season," he said. "We should not forget that we won the Scudetto with a seven-point margin and the best attacking and defensive record. We don't need to revolutionise our squad. Obviously we will keep our eyes open to see if there is a good opportunity for us on the transfer market, but we will sign players only in exchange for other players."

Juventus are believed to be offering £5-6m plus players for Vieira. The France right-back Jonathan Zebina, 26, is one of those that Juventus are ready to offer in exchange, together with the midfielder Stephen Appiah. The Turin club are reportedly ready to offer Vieira a four-year contract worth £3m a season.

Vieira would become one of the bigger earners at the Italian club just behind Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet. The Juventus coach Fabio Capello, who worked with Vieira at Milan in 1995-96, sees the France captain as the perfect partner for the Brazilian Emerson in midfield.

Juventus ask Arsenal about Campbell

Tribal Football

Juventus have made an enquiry for defender Sol Campbell while in talks with Arsenal. Juve chief Luciano Moggi has been speaking with Arsenal officials for the past week over a deal for Patrick Vieira. The Sun says he also asked for Campbell, but was put off by Arsenal's £6 million asking price.

Arsenal chairman: Juventus want Vieira

Tribal Football

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has confirmed Juventus want to sign Patrick Vieira. Highbury chairman Peter Hill-Wood said the club might sell the 29-year-old, whose contract expires in 2007.

"I gather Juventus have made inquiries but we're very undecided whether we are going to talk to them or not," Hill-Wood told the Daily Star. "Patrick's aware they've approached us. It all very much depends on what they offer and what he wants to do."

Vieira, who was the subject of a large bid from Real Madrid last summer, is reported to have demanded talks with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to hammer out his future.

"In a situation like this, you have to listen to what they say and tell the player about it," added Hill-Wood. "It would be very, very difficult to replace Patrick. We have a board meeting in about a week's time and I am sure we will discuss it then. We have not decided what we want to do, but my gut feeling is we would very much like him to stay."

Juventus closer to Benfica's Miguel

Tribal Football

Benfica fullback Miguel has declared he wants to leave the Portuguese champions. Miguel has fallen out with management over a contract dispute and could be available on a free transfer. The defender was adamant yesterday: "I will never play for Benfica again. I am not interested in staying."

Juventus director general Luciano Moggi confirmed their interest last week, but warned they would not consider Miguel until his contract row was cleared up.

Serie A tops world League table

Football Italia

Serie A is the most competitive League in the world, according to statistics released today. Italy's top-flight pushed the English Premiership into second place and Spain’s La Liga into third, according to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).

The IFFHS looked at how close the race to be crowed champions was, as well as the chase to avoid relegation and for the Champions’ League places. The Scudetto was decided in Week 37, a week before the close of the season, while the Premiership and La Liga titles were decided well before.

They also looked at the number of foreign players in each League, as well as how highly the League is viewed from abroad, and awarded points accordingly.

Top 15

Italy 594 points
England 587
Spain 482
Argentina 478
France 472
Brazil 453
Holland 449.5
Mexico 446
Colombia 391.5
Germany 382
Portugal 373
Greece 336
Russia 322
Chile 310.5
Turkey 309

Monday 11 July

Moggi wants Vieira present

Football Italia

Juventus transfer guru Luciano Moggi wants to celebrate his 68th birthday by signing Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira. As speculation grows in Italy that the former Milan player will soon be back in Serie A, Moggi is reportedly expecting a call from the French midfield player and Arsenal skipper.

Tuttosport, a Turin-based newspaper with close links to Juventus, suggest that Moggi has been in regular contact with officials at Arsenal, after the London club rejected Juve’s initial bid of £7m plus Stephen Appiah. Juventus allegedly upped their bid to £9m, plus the Ghana midfield player, and are awaiting a reply. Both clubs deny an offers have been made.

Juventus have been keeping an uncharacteristic low profile on the transfer market, but are remaining characteristically tight-lipped on their transfer activity. However, in an interview in the Gazzetta Sportiva, Moggi confirmed that Juventus will not be getting rid of David Trezeguet and that transfer activity is imminent.

Laughing off speculation of a £37m bid from an unnamed club for Trezeguet, Moggi said: "We are not selling Trezeguet, why would we want to sell the most lethal penalty box striker in the world?

"As for Vieira, Arsenal rejected a £20m bid from Real Madrid for him last season! He costs too much. He’s also too similar a type of player as Emerson, and we will not be selling Emerson." Moggi also refused to be drawn on the future of Roma’s Antonio Cassano. "He’s a great player, but, in reality, we don’t need him."

Describing the arrival of Adrian Mutu in January on a free as "a real transfer coup", Moggi confirmed that both Fabrizio Miccoli and Enzo Maresca will leave before the start of the 2005-2006 campaign.

"We have lots of requests," he noted. "Miccoli is one of the most spectacular strikers in Italy, while Maresca has a touch of class. Had I been (at) Fiorentina, I’d have stuck by them more. But we have enough cover in their positions."

Moggi added that Igor Tudor and Marcelo Zalayeta, who will be farmed out on loan to gain the first team experience the player has asked for, will also leave.

Wenger Confirms Juventus-Vieira Negotiation

Goal.com

The French coach revealed that the Bianconeri directors were in London to negotiate the transfer of Patrick Vieira to Juve. What was just a rumour in the past days, has become a fact as Arsene Wenger confirmed speculation that Juventus are currently in talks with Arsenal for the move of influential midfielder Vieira to the Turin-based outfit.

Wenger confirmed this news to Italian journalists during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where the Gunners coach admitted the interest and negotiation of the Bianconeri for his team’s captain. It is thought that Juventus have offered 10 million Euros and the services of Stephan Appiah for Vieira, however Arsenal want 20 million Euros in cash.

Arsenal's Vieira favours Real Madrid over Juventus

Tribal Football

Patrick Vieira has told Arsenal he wants a move to Spain if he is to be sold this summer.

Juventus and Real Madrid are battling for the Gunners captain, but the People says Vieira has made it clear in initial discussions with Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein that he sees his future in Spain rather than Italy, having had one failed attempt in Serie A as a youngster with AC Milan.

Vieira has told close friends he wants a fresh challenge after nine years at Highbury. And although he turned down the chance to join Madrid a year ago, it's now believed he'd jump at the prospect of a move to the Bernabeu.

Juventus chief: Tudor, Miccoli, Maresca are market pawns

Tribal Football

Juventus director general Luciano Moggi admits three of their players will be used in the summer market. Enzo Maresca, Igor Tudor and Fabrizio Miccoli have all returned to Juve this summer after being loaned out last season, but won't start the new term in Turin. Moggi confirmed: "Miccoli is our money box: he, Maresca and Tudor will all eventually leave."

Fulham in Juventus talks for Maresca

Tribal Football

Fulham are locked in talks with Juventus for midfielder Enzo Maresca. Manager Chris Coleman hoped to sign Austrian star Rene Aufhauser, but Everton have now moved in and look to have beaten the Cottagers to his signature. Fulham are now turning their attention to Italy where they hope to sign Maresca for about £2million.

Bolton boss warns Juventus defender Tudor

Tribal Football

Bolton Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce is still keen to sign Juventus defender Igor Tudor. Allardyce admits the Croatian international is one of eight players he wants to bring to the Reebok. But he insists Tudor's £40,000-a-week wage demands are just too hefty for Bolton. He said: "We are interested in Tudor, but he would be incredibly expensive for us. We simply don't want to go that far."

Juventus fans see red

Football Italia

Italian champions Juventus are set to unveil a surprising new red away strip for next season.

Turin daily sports paper, Tuttosport, today carry a picture of the re-styling. The Juventus logo remains in the centre, but the left side of the kit, the Scudetto badge and stars are shown on a green vertical stripe, which is bordered by two smaller white stripes, echoing the Italy flag.

It will be the first time that the Bianconeri will wear the colour, having previously worn pink, blue and yellow, black and, most recently, black and pink.

Sunday 10 July

Juventus rubbish Vieira talk

Football Italia

Juventus transfer mogul Luciano Moggi has denied that the Serie A giants are chasing Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira. A notoriously slippery communicator, Moggi has expressed his admiration for the France captain in the past, but insists that his recent trip to London was completely unrelated.

"There have never been any negotiations over Vieira," he told L'Equipe. "I went to London for other players, not Vieira. Yes, I met with (Arsenal Coach) Arsene Wenger, but that's because he's a friend of mine – not to discuss Vieira's transfer."

The director general's latest comments are unlikely to end the speculation, but could indicate that their bid for the 29-year-old has failed, either because Juve are unwilling to meet Arsenal's asking price or because the player himself has rejected the move.

Vieira has often said in the past that he is unwilling to pursue his career in Italy after suffering racial abuse during his time at Milan, and on his travels with Arsenal since then. Meanwhile, Moggi also rubbished rumours that Juventus have received an offer from Chelsea for France striker David Trezeguet.

"Chelsea have never approached us. The newspapers talk about a £37m offer, but that's the newspapers for you. Chelsea have made no offer and, besides, Trezeguet isn't for sale. He's 28, we're very happy with him and he can play at the highest level for a long time to come.

"We let Zidane go to Real four years ago, but he was 30. We wouldn't have let him go before that."

Saturday 09 July

Juve prepare second Vieira bid

Football Italia

Italian champions Juventus say they haven’t shelved their plans to sign Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira. Transfer guru Luciano Moggi has admitted that "Arsenal don’t want to sell him" but more talks are planned after Wednesday’s initial meeting.

However, various reports in Italy suggest that the real stumbling block behind the move is Juventus’ unwillingness to meet his asking price. "I haven't said that he is too expensive," continued Moggi. "In any case we will have to meet them again."

The London club want close to £15m for the Frenchman but the Bianconeri have so far offered just £5m plus a player, believed to be midfielder Stephen Appiah. Moggi identified the 29-year-old as a primary summer transfer target after publicly admitting his admiration for him.

"Obviously they will not let him go cheaply as he is a magnificent midfielder," the director general stated last month. "But if Arsenal are willing to do business, we'd buy him tomorrow."

Juventus to make new offer for Arsenal's Vieira

Tribal Football

Juventus are ready to offer defenders Igor Tudor and Jonathan Zebina to Arsenal for their captain Patrick Vieira. Juve director general Luciano Moggi has been encouraged in talks this week with Arsenal over the availability of Vieira and knows he can bring the midfielder back to Italy if he can come up with the right offer.

Arsenal have rejected a bid of cash plus Stephen Appiah for Vieira, but Moggi is more confident with an offer of Tudor, Zebina and £5 million for the Frenchman.

However, those close to Arsenal say manager Arsene Wenger is only interested in a straight cash deal for Vieira, which will be difficult for Juve as they focus their available funds on signing AS Roma ace Antonio Cassano.

Arsenal's Vieira baffled as Juventus step up chase

Tribal Football

Juventus are maintaining the pressure on Arsenal to sell their captain Patrick Vieira. The Sun says Vieira is baffled by reports in Italy that the Gunners are prepared to sell him for £14million, or take midfielder Stephen Appiah, 24, in a cash/swap deal.

Skipper Vieira, 29, has had no contact with anyone from Juve - and nor have his advisors. He is gearing up for pre-season training next week and, unlike in previous seasons, has not even considered quitting this time round.

Juve general director Luciano Moggi flew to London earlier in the week apparently for talks with the Gunners regarding a deal. But sources claim David Dein, the Arsenal vice-chairman, did NOT meet the Italians. Vieira, is under contract for another two years and came close to joining Real Madrid last summer before opting to stay.

Moggi admitted: "Arsenal don't want to sell him. I haven't said he is too expensive. In any case we will have to meet them again."

Juve Don't Sell Trez-Ibra

Goal.com

Zlatan Ibrahimovic told Italian daily La Gazzetta dello Sport that he believes the Bianconeri should hold-onto superstriker David Trezeguet. ”David is a great player, let’s not joke. He is always able to find the net. He was unlucky last season due to a series of injuries, but next season the real Trezeguet will be back,” said the Swedish striker.

In the past month Trezeguet has been linked to a move to Premiership giants Chelsea, a move that would bring a lot of money into the Bianconeri’s bank, but would also, according to Ibrahimovic, deprive them of something unique.

”Who knows if the Chelsea rumours are true. If he left though, it would be a big problem for us,” he said.

Ibrahimovic also revealed who he thinks is the best in the world right now. ”It must be Ronaldinho, I would love to play with him,” he said.

Juve scrap Salas contract

Football Italia

Marcelo Salas is no longer a Juventus player after the two parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract. "Marcelo has rescinded his contract and can now begin to negotiate a transfer as a free agent," revealed his agent Fernando Hidalgo.

The Chilean striker joined the Turin giants in August 2001 but never lived up to expectations following his move from Lazio. He suffered a knee ligament injury in his first season at the Delle Alpi and never really recovered to break into the Juve first team.

Salas, who still had one year left on his Old Lady contract, has spent the last two seasons on loan at River Plate. The 31-year-old is now likely to sign a permanent deal with the Argentine outfit, a club for whom he netted 24 goals in 53 games between 1996 and 1998.

Meanwhile, reports are gathering pace that Enzo Maresca will definitely leave Juventus this summer. Premiership side Fulham are ready to make a £3m bid for the midfield player who spent last term at Fiorentina.

Siena to land Juventus defender Legrottaglie

Tribal Football

Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie is moving on-loan to Siena. The Italy international spent the second-half of last season with Bologna and has agreed yesterday to a similar season-long deal at Siena. The majority of Legrottaglie's wages will be covered by Juve and he is expected to sign for Siena before Monday.

Juventus News Archive