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Andrea Pirlo has been tasked with the massive job of breathing new life into Juventus. Although the Bianconeri won their ninth Serie A title in succession, their brand of football was unattractive under Maurizio Sarri, while they failed to produce the goods in Europe once again.
The Italian paid the price for Juventus' Champions League elimination, as he was sacked shortly after their defeat against Lyon in the Round of 16. Pirlo, who is hailed as one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation, has his work cut out for him to inspire Juventus, this time from the touchline.
The World Cup winner has no prior managerial experience and was appointed as the manager of Juventus U-23s six days before he was shockingly named as Sarri's replacement.
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Reports have emerged that Pirlo is taking no prisoners at the Allianz Stadium and is willing to let go of a handful of ageing stars in order to make Juventus a force to be reckoned with once again. Blaise Matuidi has already secured a move to Inter Miami CF, while Sami Khedira and Gonzalo Higuain are on the verge of having their contracts terminated.
In terms of incomings, Juventus are close to completing the signing of Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie, initially on a loan deal. The American international is unlikely to be the only player who joins the club this summer, as Pirlo looks to bolster his squad ahead of the new season.
Here are five players the Italian manager could target this summer, as he aims to galvanize the Juventus squad and shape a new era at the club.
#5 Hector Bellerin | Arsenal
Hector Bellerin has been a key player for Arsenal over the years, but reports have emerged that the Gunners might be willing to cash in on him if a suitable offer were to arrive this summer. Although he has struggled for form and consistency in the past 12 months, Bellerin is an excellent right-back on his day and is an experienced campaigner despite being just 25 years old.
The Spaniard is one of the quickest players in his position and is capable of making marauding runs down the right flank, while he has also received praise for his ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch.
Bellerin's contract runs out in the summer of 2023, meaning Arsenal are in a good position to demand a hefty transfer fee. The former Barcelona man could be tempted by the prospect of playing Champions League football again in Turin, where he would also reunite with former Arsenal teammate Aaron Ramsey.
#4 Sandro Tonali | Brescia
Sandro Tonali is one of the brightest young midfielders around and has turned heads across Europe with a series of eye-catching performances for Brescia. A defensive midfielder by trade, the young Italian has drawn comparisons with Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo for his style of play.
Although were Brescia were relegated after a solitary season in Serie A, Tonali enjoyed an outstanding season on a personal level and was also called up to the represent the national team at the age of 19.
The youngster's technical ability, elegance and composure have been on display several times in the past 12 months and it remains to be seen if Juventus make a move for him this summer. AC Milan and Inter Milan are currently looking to pip one another for his signing, as Tonali prepares to secure a big-money move in the coming weeks.
Also Read: Ranking the five most realistic destinations for Lionel Messi
#3 Gabriel Jesus | Manchester City
Gabriel Jesus' situation at Manchester City in an interesting one. The talented Brazilian has been with the Cityzens for over three years now and has failed to become a regular for them despite chipping in with a series of match-winning performances.
Sergio Aguero is Manchester City's leading man and that looks likely to be the case once again, with Jesus deputizing for him in the case of an injury or a suspension. The 23-year-old boasts an exemplary goal record despite his limited game time and is also a key player for the Brazilian national team, having made his debut as a 19-year-old in 2016.
With Gonzalo Higuain set to leave the club this summer, Juventus could be on the lookout for a young striker to pin their hopes on. Jesus is an ideal candidate for the role and he can also be deployed as a winger owing to his versatility and tactical intelligence.
#2 Houssem Aouar | Lyon
Dubbed as one of the best young players in the world in his position, Houssem Aouar is Lyon's crown jewel and is courted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe. A technically gifted midfielder with a keen eye for a pass, the Frenchman's ability to glide past opposition players has seen him draw comparisons with Barcelona icon Andres Iniesta.
Aouar enhanced his reputation in the 2019-20 Champions League campaign, where he delivered a series of outstanding displays against the likes of Juventus and Manchester City.
The 22-year-old was one of the best midfielders in the competition and is reportedly wanted by Pep Guardiola, while the Bianconeri's interest has also been mentioned.
Lyon will not compete in Europe this season and could be forced to part with their star man, as he looks to take the next step to further his development.
#1 Gini Wijnaldum | Liverpool
Gini Wijnaldum has been one of the most reliable performers for club and country in recent seasons. Deployed in a deeper role for Liverpool where he is tasked with preventing counter-attacks and breaking up play, the Dutchman plays further upfront for the Netherlands and excels in both those positions.
Primarily a box-to-box midfielder, Wijnaldum's versatility and game awareness means he can be stationed in any position in midfield, as he continues to establish himself as an indispensable member of Jurgen Klopp's star-studded team.
Liverpool are reportedly keen on offering him a new contract, but Wijnaldum is no closer to extending his current deal that expires in the summer of 2021. Juventus could take advantage of his situation and sign him up for a cut-price fee this summer, with Liverpool targeting Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara as his replacement.
The 29-year-old is also being linked with a move to Barcelona, where former Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has been appointed as Quique Setien's replacement.
Also Read: 5 best right wingers in world football currently
