Juventus lodge inquiry for Barcelona veteran, but player not keen on an exit
According to SPORT, Serie A giants Juventus are interested in signing Barcelona veteran star Jordi Alba and have asked about the possibility of a move. However, a switch seems unlikely as the left-back has no intention to leave the club.
Alba had been linked with an exit in the summer transfer window when Barça and Inter Milan were in talks about a late transfer. However, the deal collapsed as the 33-year-old left-back refused to leave Camp Nou.
The Catalans have an abundance of options at left-back with Alba, Alejandro Balde, and summer signing Marcos Alonso. It even led to Alba losing prominence in Xavi's setup in the early parts of the season.
And although he has worked his way back into the manager's scheme of things, Juventus have made inquiries about a move for the veteran Spaniard as they scour the market for left-back options.
The report suggests that the Bianconeri, who share a good relationship with Barcelona, would be in a position to make a substantial contract offer for Alba as long as he would arrive on loan or for zero transfer fees.
It has previously been reported that Barcelona would be open to parting ways with the Spanish international as they look to slash their wage bill. Furthermore, it is clear that they see Balde as the future while the club are also negotiating a new contract with Alonso.
However, any deal is seen as practically impossible at this point as Alba has no intentions of leaving Spotify Camp Nou. The veteran defender has a deal with Barça that runs until the summer of 2024 and wishes to see out his contract.
“I have a contract with Barça and I see myself capable of fulfilling it until June 2024. I have earned respect. When I don't see myself ready to play for Barça, I'll be the first to leave. I don't want to make a fool of myself,” Alba said in November.
So, despite Juventus' interest, Alba is unlikely to leave Barcelona for the Serie A anytime soon.
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