Chelsea set to lose out in race for Miralem Pjanic, with Juventus star saying he will join Barcelona
Barcelona look set to win the battle to land Miralem Pjanic from Juventus in the summer, with the midfielder reportedly stating he will only join the Spanish giants.
The 30-year-old had been a target for many of Europe’s top clubs including Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
But according to Mundo Deportivo, the Bosnian has already made up his mind where he will be playing next season by claiming: ‘I’m only going to Barca.’
Miralem Pjanic looks likely to snub the Premier League in favour of a move to Barcelona
Pjanic looks set to depart the Allianz Stadium in the summer as part of a clearout at the Italian champions who hope to aid their financial concerns in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
In recent days he has been linked with a swap move to the Nou Camp as the Spanish club look to limit their cash outlay with player swap deals.
However, such is their desperation to land Pjanic, a cash-only deal will still be considered as a last resort.
Chelsea had approached Juventus in trying to pursue a deal, with PSG also hoping they could convince the Bosnian his future was in Paris.
The 30-year-old has decided against maximising a final big contract by targeting a Barca move
The French champions’ sporting director Leonardo was hoping to offer Pjanic a big deal with ‘unmatched incentives’ but their approach has come too late with the player having already decided on his future away from Turin.
He has been a major success at Juve since arriving from Roma in 2016, winning three Serie A titles and two Italian Cups.
Although there will be question marks surrounding Pjanic’s advancing years, Barca instead see his age as a positive in terms of experience that would be invaluable to the likes of young talent including Riqui Puig.
Pjanic is looking forward to a Barcelona challenge and the opportunity to playing alongside Lionel Messi having turned down the big money approach from PSG.
PSG sporting director Leonardo had hoped to hijack the deal with a ‘big incentives’ offer
