Juventus set to sign Chelsea Midfielfer Nemanja Matic "at all cost"

Juventus are reportedly set to try to sign Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic "at all costs" as they prepare for life without Paul Pogba.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano of Calciomercato.com (translated by Steve Mitchell), who has stated the Italians are to looking to land a new linchpin in midfield. It’s suggested Juventus have already been in touch with the 28-year-old’s agent and advised an offer of €3 million-per-year will be on the table for Matic.

Pogba’s transfer from Juventus to Manchester United was confirmed on Tuesday by the Red Devils, leaving the club without their midfield talisman. It’s stated by Romano that Wolfsburg’s Luiz Gustavo and Paris Saint-Germain man Blaise Matuidi are back-up options should a deal for Matic fail to come to fruition.

For Chelsea, the interest in Matic surely won’t be welcomed ahead of the new campaign. While the former Benfica man didn’t enjoy the best season in 2015-16, previously he was a key part of Jose Mourinho’s dominant Blues side. These numbers from WhoScored.com show the defensive presence he brings to the team:

Having landed N’Golo Kante from Leicester City, it’s expected he’ll form what could well be an impenetrable midfield pairing alongside Matic. Indeed, earlier in the summer, new Blues manager Antonio Conte insisted the Serbian wouldn’t be going anywhere.

“I know with work he can become a fantastic midfielder, one of the best in the world,” said the Italian of Matic in pre-season, per Matt Barlow of the Daily Mail. “He is not for sale.”

Juventus are in a strong financial position to test Chelsea’s resolve, though. After all, according to Jefferson Lake of Sky Sports, they’ll be in receipt of a whopping £89 million following the sale of Pogba. While replacing the Frenchman will be tough, the Bianconeri have a fine record when it comes to recruitment.

The Blues may be tempted to cash in should they stump up big money. Matic looked disinterested at times last term and Conte may seek to have another player next to Kante who is equally industrious; the Serb is a brilliant reader of the game, but he doesn’t cover the ground particularly quickly.

Per journalist Dan Levene, Conte has already confirmed that the team will only contain two central midfielders as well:

Even so, a Blues team with a fit and in form Matic would be a lot more formidable. If Conte can get the midfielder motivated and thriving alongside Kante, then Chelsea would have the personnel to get a foothold in most midfield battles. The balance Matic provides being left-footed, plus his willingness to carry the ball forward, would also be tough traits to replace.

Juventus may have had their bank balance significantly bolstered following the departure of their No. 10, but so close to the start of all the domestic European leagues, they’ll be met with plenty of resistance when it comes to their transfer targets.