3 Players Juventus need to sign this summer

Despite all but wrapping up an 8th successive Serie A title, Juventus have once again failed to claim the Champions League title that repeatedly eludes them. Exiting limply to Ajax, with an uninspiring 1-2 home defeat, a game in which they looked bereft of ideas and creativity, they barely troubled the Ajax goal and were thoroughly outplayed. Juve once again showed their dependency on crosses and inability to create through the middle, a problem that has made them far too predictable.

With the exception of Pjanic, none of Juve's midfielders are particularly creative. In fact, Pjanic's 2.3 key passes per game, makes him the only Juventus midfielder to average over 1 key pass, with Matuidi, Can, Bentancur and Khedira averaging 0.6, 0.5, 0.9 and 0.4 respectively.

Juventus also have a problem with age, with key members of the squad, like Ronaldo and Chiellini, both 34. Juventus have the third oldest squad in Serie A, with an average age of 27.9, so any summer investment should be looking to bring that age down.

In terms of depth, Juve certainly need reinforcements at the back. With Martín Cáceres only on loan, Juve only have 3 permanent centre backs on their books. Chiellini who is 34, Bonucci, 31 and Rugani, 24. Ideally, Juve will be looking to add a promising young centre back to their ranks.

#3 Rúben Dias

Benfica v Fenerbache - UEFA Champions League Qualifier

At just 21, Rúben Dias has already made 74 appearances for Benfica, including 44 this season. He will both help with the age of the squad, while adding much-needed depth. With so many games under his belt, Dias has experience beyond his years, making him ready to step in when needed.

Dias has played 28 of 29 league games this season, helping them to the top of the table. The Benfica youth academy graduate has also helped his side to the Europa League quarterfinals. Despite his tender age, Dias has already represented the Portuguese national team 9 times.

Dias would likely start as a backup player, before being slowly phased into the side, as Chiellini's likely replacement. Dias would likely partner Bonucci, taking the role as the more defensive minded one of the two, allowing Bonucci to play out from the back.

While heavily linked with Dias, Juve will reportedly have to do battle with Manchester United over the young defender's signature..

#2 Marcelo

With Alex Sandro providing a mere 2 assists so far this season, an upgrade is clearly needed, especially with Juve's reliance on crossing. So, who better than Marcelo, who has a proven track record of providing great support for Ronaldo. Marcelo possesses incredible crossing and creativity rarely found in a left-back.

At his best, Marcelo got a whopping 10 assists in the La Liga 2016/17 season, an incredible number for a left back. Marcelo is simply the perfect fit for Juve's current style of play and his partnership with Ronaldo down the left, could be the key to Juve finally winning that elusive Champions League. Marcelo would fit in as Juve's starting left wing-back, helping them to overload the flanks and get crosses into the box.

Marcelo has of course already won 4 Champions League titles at Real Madrid, so is no stranger to the big games that Juve need to improve on, if they are to win the Champions League. He brings the experience and winning confidence, that only really Ronaldo currently possesses in the Juve dressing room.

Marcelo had been heavily linked with reuniting with Ronaldo at Juventus, but the return of Zidane as Madrid manager has made this more difficult. Juve are still, however, interested in pursuing a move for the Brazilian.

#3 João Félix

Benfica v Eintracht Frankfurt - UEFA Europa League Quarter Final: First Leg

João Félix has seen his stock skyrocket this season, being linked with most top clubs, from the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool and Manchester United. It's not hard to see why he has so many suitors either. At just 19, the Portuguese prodigy has scored 15 goals and assisted a further 7 in 34 games for Benfica this season. He's also an extremely versatile player, capable of playing on either wing, behind the striker, or as the striker. This versatility would come in handy for Juventus, giving Félix a better chance of successfully forming a partnership with Juve's other Portuguese star, Cristiano Ronaldo. Félix would likely replace one of Dybala, or Mandžukić, in Juve's front three, especially long term with Mandžukić getting on in years and Dybala struggling for form.

Ronaldo may also give Juve a unique advantage in their attempts to sign Félix. With so many of Europe's top clubs interested, it may be a difficult transfer to pull off but the Portuguese Felix, has previously stated a desire to play alongside his countryman stating, "I would like to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo because he is simply the greatest.,an idol, a world icon, an example for everyone. Playing with a 'monster' like him would allow me to grow even more."

Juve will certainly hope that Ronaldo can help lure the man dubbed his heir to Turin, but João Félix certainly won't come cheap. Benfica will essentially be able to name their price, with so many clubs chasing Félix's signature, Juve could well find themselves amidst a bidding war come this summer.

Félix has been linked with a big-money move to Juventus this summer and is believed to have a €120m buyout clause.

Edited by Kingshuk Kusari