Chiellini: ‘Juventus rule out Icardi and Kolo Muani, why Boga and Holm needed’
Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini has ‘ruled out’ any pursuit of Galatasaray striker Mauro Icardi and seemingly abandoned Randal Kolo Muani too, as Jeremie Boga and Emil Holm arrive.
Their trip to Parma kicks off at the Stadio Tardini at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.
The transfer deadline is on Monday evening, and Juve are still very active on the market, especially when it comes to the pursuit of attacking options.
Boga has now completed his loan move from OGC Nice, while Holm is undergoing a medical as part of an exchange with Joao Mario going to Bologna.
Chiellini comments on latest Juventus deals
“We were looking for someone who could give Yildiz an occasional rest and be of use over the next few games,” Chiellini told DAZN Italia.
“Boga knows Serie A well, he can make the difference both off the bench and when starting, but is coming off an injury and will take a while to get into his best shape.
“Holm is a reliable full-back, Serie A is difficult and different to Portuguese football, so Joao Mario had a few problems adapting and Bologna represent an opportunity for him. Holm brings more physicality and extra resources.”
There are reports they are also targeting Icardi of Galatasaray in case Tottenham won’t release Kolo Muani early from the Paris Saint-Germain loan agreement.
“Vlahovic will be back in a while, but unfortunately not soon enough, so we have been looking for a striker who can fit in with the requests of the coach and also with our financial situation,” explained Chiellini.
“Mauro Icardi emerged because of what the coach said in his press conference, as he was referring to him and Victor Osimhen as examples of great strikers, but there was nothing more than that. I can rule out any pursuit of Icardi.
“As for the other names that have been rumoured, we’ll not forget that Dusan will return in about a month and a half, so we’ll see what happens.”
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta had also been linked, but is now on the verge of joining Milan.
“Mateta is a player we evaluated, but decided not to proceed for the costs and risks. Kolo Muani is a Tottenham player, that is the truth of the matter.”
The Bianconeri surged up the standings with last week’s 3-0 victory over Napoli and booked their spot in the Champions League play-offs following a 0-0 draw at AS Monaco.