Evaluating Juventus’ January targets

Part two of my January transfer window preview takes a look at Juventus’ targets. Which ones should they pursue? Are there any they should stay away from? All questions are answered in this column.

Juventus currently lead Serie A by eight points at the start of 2013. They possess the best defence and second best attack, but it’s the former that may be in trouble for the next couple of months. Due to key injuries and departures, manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Giuseppe Marotta need to work night and day in order to fill these holes.

There are four names that are at the forefront of Juventus rumours, three of which are defenders. Thanks to Giorgio Chiellini’s calf injury that’ll keep him out until at least late February, the Bianconeri are now on the search for a bit more depth just in case the likes of Luca Marrone and Martin Caceres aren’t available. The trouble doubles because of Lucio’s release and eventual departure to Sao Paolo in Brazil, which means Juve must find more cover for the back line.

Not all of the players in this piece are defenders, though. There is a striker on this list as Juve look for that top goalscorer they so desperately wanted in the summer, but failed to acquire. With Fabio Quagliarella being the leading scorer in the league with six tallies, the front line is just as desperate as the back for someone to join them.