Juventus Face Stiff Competition from Atletico Madrid for Top Defensive Target

La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have joined Juventus in a fierce transfer battle for Paris Saint-Germain wantaway star Milan Skriniar. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Los Colchoneros identified the former Inter captain as a cost-effective signing to address their defensive shortcomings.

The 29-year-old has been on the fringes at the Parc des Princes this season after falling out of favor with coach Luis Enrique. Unwilling to play second fiddle to anyone, Skriniar has reportedly requested to leave the perennial Ligue 1 champions in the upcoming transfer window.

Juventus have emerged as one of the favorites to sign the PSG outcast. Indeed, Thiago Motta is desperate to add to his defensive options in January after losing Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal to long-term injuries in the first half of the season.

However, Skriniar’s substantial wages have made Juventus second-guess their pursuit. The Slovakian would be available on a cut-price deal, with Les Parisiens ready to let him go for as low as €10 million. Yet, his salary could pose a challenge to potential suitors.

Like Juventus, Atletico Madrid may be reluctant to match Skrinar’s eye-watering earnings in Paris. But Diego Simeone remains hellbent on reinforcing his backline this winter amid Los Rojiblancos’ genuine La Liga title quest.

Elsewhere, Galatasaray are also in the picture. The Turkish heavyweights have the means to fight Juventus and Atletico for Skriniar’s services. Therefore, the Bianconeri can’t afford to waste much time if they’re to bring the ex-Inter star back to Serie A. Meanwhile, they’re monitoring Chelsea misfit Axel Disasi.