Juventus Could Use Ronaldo In Sensational Swap Deal To Sign PSG’s $71M Forward: Report

Juventus are reportedly planning to use Cristiano Ronaldo in a sensational swap deal in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Juventus want to offer Ronaldo to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in return for Argentina forward Mauro Icardi, reported French publication L’Equipe.

Ronaldo, who moved to Juventus from Real Madrid in 2018, has just a year left in his current deal. The talented forward’s current contract at Juventus is worth $5million-a-month and due to the financial crisis infused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Turin club is struggling to offer Ronaldo an extension. To avoid losing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for free next summer, Juventus are pushing for the swap deal.

Icardi has been a long-time target of Juventus. Last summer, the Serie A giants tried to sign him but the Argentina national instead joined PSG. Icardi first moved to the Ligue 1 club on loan from Inter Milan in the 2019-20 season. He had an impressive maiden campaign with PSG, where he netted 20 goals and four assists in 34 appearances for the club, across all competitions.

In the summer of 2020, Juventus and PSG were the top rivals in the race to sign Icardi with the French club eventually securing the Argentinian's services.

It is understood that there is a clause in Icardi’s contract which means PSG would have to pay Inter Milan a fee of around $16 million if they sell him to another Serie A club. This was reportedly included to deter the player's future transfer to Juventus, according to the soccer website Football Italia.

Last year, PSG signed Icardi on a four-year deal at a fee of around $71 million. However, Icardi’s current market value is lesser, around $45 million, according to Transfermarkt.

Even though Ronaldo may be in the twilight of his career, the 36-year-old forward remains one of the best in Europe. He recently finished as the joint-leading scorer in the Euros 2020 with five goals. Ronaldo, who is showing no signs of slowing down, managed 36 goals in 44 competitive appearances for Juventus last season and was the top-scorer in Serie A with 29 goals, five more than second-placed Romelu Lukaku of Inter Milan.

Ronaldo’s signing will further boost PSG’s chances in the Champions League.

Having failed to win the league title last year, PSG have already made a few striking signings in the ongoing summer transfer window. The former Ligue champions have already secured the signatures of Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament Gianluigi Donnarumma from AC Milan, who will move to PSG as a free agent, along with other free transfers in Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum. PSG have also acquired full-back Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan at around $82 million, included add-ons.