Juventus Reportedly to Make Offer for Anelka
Copyright � 1999 Nando Media
Copyright � 1999 Agence France-Presse
ROME (March 23, 1999 12:08 p.m. EST http://www.sportserver.com) - Juventus is set to offer more than $20 million for Arsenal's French striker Nicolas Anelka, the country's two leading sports newspapers reported on Tuesday.
Corriere dello Sport said Juventus have offered Arsenal 35 billion lire for Anelka, who turned 20 this month, and was now prepared to raise that sum after he scored both goals in France's 2-0 victory over England at Wembley Stadium last month.
La Gazzetta dello Sport also reported Juve's interest in the player who has scored 14 goals for Arsenal this season in 38 appearances but who has reportedly never really settled in London.
In the often fanciful world of transfer speculation it is rare that both Italian sports daillies agree on the same issue. The source of the speculation appears to be Anelka's French compatriot Zinedine Zidane, the world player of the year, who spoke to Anelka when the two met up with the French team in London last month.
Juve, however, who quick to play down the stories.
"It's a rumor," a Juventus spokesman said, when asked to confirm the reports.
"Half the world is interested in him and there's no doubt we would like him," he added.
But he said Juventus only confirmed such moves once a deal had been signed and declined even to say if talks were underway.
Corriere said Anelka, who would play alongside Zidane if he signed, was ready to sign a five-year contract with the Turin club, currently lying sixth in Serie A.
But Arsenal, lying second in the premier league, have made it clear Anelka has a crucial role to play in their defence of the English title this season.
In France, Olympique Marseille said this month they would pay $16 million for him and Spanish clubs are also believed to be keen.
