Chelsea are expecting Juventus to make a bid for Juan Cuadrado after the Bianconeri had an offer for Schalke star Julian Draxler rejected, reports the Daily Express.
The Old Lady have been knocked back in their attempts to sign the Germany international. They offered £1 million for a season-long loan with a view to a £14 million permanent move, but the Bundesliga side are looking for closer to £17.5 million. This will be a boost to Chelsea’s rivals Arsenal, who are also interested in the 21-year-old, according to the Express.
This could mean that Massimiliano Allegri’s team shift their attention to the Stamford Bridge ace, who only joined the Premier League champions last January. The Colombia international was bought for £26 million by the Blues, but has failed to make an impact in English football.
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In 13 matches, the 27-year-old didn’t manage to score or assist a single goal, and seemed to find it difficult to adapt to the pace of the top flight. He has previously enjoyed success in Italian football, which could entice the player to a return to Serie A. In the 2013-14 campaign, the winger netted 11 goals and grabbed five assists in 32 league games for Fiorentina.
However, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has made it clear that despite this poor form he is still keen to keep the Colombian [Goal.com].
“Cuadrado is not going anywhere this summer,” the Portuguese said, “people don’t know Cuadrado yet, I have seen him many times when we were both in Italy, me at Inter and him at Udinese.
“Because of that I have a lot of hopes for him for next season. I hope in the Copa America he can regain his self-esteem, his ego and that he has that joy of playing.”
The 52-year-old has also revealed that if any members of his squad leave it will mean they have to go out and buy a replacement [Sky Sports].
“In this moment we don’t want players,” Mourinho said. “Of course we must be ready because the market is open and if someone comes for one of our players with a bid, we must be ready to act.”
This could mean that should Cuadrado be allowed to go to Turin, the Blues could reconsider a bid for Barcelona star Pedro. It had been thought that Manchester United were favourites for his signature [Daily Star], but this development could change the situation.