Bayern Munich’s David Alaba touted as perfect “wildcard” for Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo

Multiple reports from Italy are suggesting that Juventus F.C. have emerged as the frontrunners in the pursuit of Bayern Munich constant David Alaba. While club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has claimed that the “door is still open a crack,” it is becoming increasingly realistic that there will “probably be no further rounds of negotiations between both parties.”

As a consequence, Alaba’s representative Pini Zahavi will use his super-agent connections to kick-start talks with all the big clubs in Europe; typically consisting of Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona and the “big six” from English Premier League, among others. Per Italian outlet Calciomercato, however, reigning Serie A champions Juventus are in pole position to land the two-time treble winning defender.

At 28 years of age, Alaba is in the prime of his career and is widely regarded as one of the best players in multiple positions of defense. Currently a member of Hansi Flick’s team council, the Austrian will bring much-needed leadership and experience to a young Bianconeri roster.

Newly appointed Old Lady head coach Andrea Pirlo is also aware of Alaba’s outstanding on-ball capabilities. Moreover, he is known for experimenting with different tactical systems and disrupting pre-existing playing patterns. Alaba, in this case, happens to be the perfect “wildcard” player for him, due to his flexibility to man the center-back or left-back position, or drop in defensive midfield. The report further suggests that the Black and Whites’ chief football officer Fabio Paratici is ready to do everything to get his signature.

There is although, one sticking point to a possible transfer. Juventus’ finances, too, have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Their wage bill has become disproportionate to its revenues and the club are now actively seeking to reduce their wage bill, amidst pending contract renewals of superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala.

The report states that Alaba’s camp will put forward an estimated wage figure of €12 million (net income) to the interested parties. In addition to an engrossing economic effort, Juventus will have their work cut out to convince the Bavarians’ defensive-boss of their sporting project.

Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be keeping a close eye on the 28-year old’s contractual situation at Die Roten. However, current EPL champions Liverpool are going to provide a stiff competition to Juventus in their pursuit of the highly coveted center-back.

Naturally, when one of the world’s best ball-playing center-backs is available for free, an intense tussle for his signature is surely to be expected from the footballing giants.