Juventus Chief Reiterates That Emre Can Is Primary Objective But Club Could Look Elsewhere

It’s a day ending in “y” so Giuseppe Marotta has something to say about Emre Can.

Juventus Chief Executive Giuseppe Marotta has said enough about his club’s pursuit of Emre Can thus far to supply content for several podcasts, and this weekend was no different. Speaking to Mediaset Premium, Marotta stuck to mostly the same script, but did introduce a new element of uncertainty as to whether the Liverpool midfielder will end up with the bianconeri this summer.

In response to a question about whether Juventus might be “taking a closer look” at Jack Wilshere, Marotta was noncommittal and reiterated that the club was totally focused on Emre Can:

“We’re ready to take any opportunities, I won’t deny we are concentrated on Emre Can and awaiting his response,” stated Marotta. “That is our primary objective if we have a positive response. If the responsive is negative, we will turn our attention to other players.”

Marotta has previously come across as quite bullish on Juventus’ prospects of signing Can when the midfielder’s contract runs its course this summer, but the tone has changed slightly since Can’s representative indicated that all negotiations would be put on hold to allow the player to focus on the end of this season.

What’s changed? Probably nothing. His proxies have kept their cards close to the chest, but there is still a pretty good chance that Can leaves on a free transfer. With Liverpool’s season heading into a crunch phase domestically and in Europe, it’s more than conceivable that Can wants to avoid distractions. Whether it’s because his mind is already made up, is a different question.

Notably for Juventus and Liverpool, Bayern Munich, with whom Can has a close connection, continues be a looming presence. Liverpool at least have the consolation of Naby Keïta arriving. Juventus better hope Plan B is not Jack Wilshere.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com