Express
Juventus are set for an overhaul this summer after a bitterly disappointing season in both the Serie A and the Champions League. Andrea Pirlo has only managed to guide the Old Lady to fifth place in the league, while they were knocked out of Europe in the Round of 16.
With Juventus facing the very real possibility of playing next season without Champions League football, Andrea Pirlo’s job is in jeopardy.
As a result, Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is being tipped to replace the Italian by Tuttosport, marking a return 20 years after he called time on his playing spell in Turin.
Juventus have plenty of fringe players who have struggled for game time, while there are others who might not be too happy playing in the Europa League.
Zidane’s arrival could always persuade some players want to stay, while it could be the final nail in the coffin for others.
So here are five players Zinedine Zidane could sell if he gets the Juventus job.
Wojciech Szczesny
It seems almost a distant memory when Szczesny used to ply his trade for Arsenal, having spent 13 years in the capital.
But after four years with Juventus, the Polish goalkeeper could be on his way back to the Emirates, with Gianluigi Donnarumma set to come in as the club’s new number one.
Szczesny has also been linked with moves to Everton and Chelsea, but either way, it’s likely that Zidane would ship the 31-year-old on.
Merih Demiral
Liverpool were being linked with a move for Turkish defender Demiral in January, but decided to sign fellow countryman Ozan Kabak instead.
According to Calciomercato, Everton are now lining up an offer for the 23-year-old, who hasn’t made an appearance since early March.
With a number of other options at centre-back, it looks as though that Demiral might be the one to make way, though Zidane may not see it like that.
Alex Sandro
Juventus have put up Alex Sandro for sale for just over £21m, according to Italian outlet TuttoJuve, meaning he is set to leave the club.
Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG have all been linked with a move for the left-back, though neither of the Premier League sides are really in need of reinforcements in that position.
But the 30-year-old could provide that extra bit of experience PSG need to finally claim that elusive Champions League crown.
Aaron Ramsey
It looks as though it will be two seasons and done for Wales midfielder Ramsey in the Serie A, who has admitted to being “frustrated” at Juve.
The 30-year-old also said that his lack of form and injury struggles in Turin have impacted his involvement for Wales, which he is not happy about.
It is understood that Ramsey would only really want to join Arsenal if he were to return to the Premier League, which looks like it could be a possibility.
Cristiano Ronaldo
All the signs are pointing towards a summer exit for Cristiano Ronaldo if Juventus fail in their mission to reach the top four.
If there’s one man who can persuade the Portuguese to stay though, it’s Zidane, who Ronaldo won three consecutive Champions League titles under.
United and PSG are the two clubs who seem most likely to be able to have either the allure or the money to land Ronaldo, but whether he’ll be off or not could hinge entirely on Zidane’s next movements.
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