New Juventus Boss Andrea Pirlo Names Arsenal Player As Top Priority, Report Says

New Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo is keen on rebuilding the Serie A champ and is making Arsenal right back Hector Bellerin his top priority signing this summer, a report said.

Despite winning this year’s Serie A title, Juventus didn’t manage to conquer the international stage, falling out of the Champions League at the hands of Lyon. After the sacking of former boss Maurizio Sarri, Pirlo immediately initiated a major rebuilding for the Old Lady, with the Juve legend already naming a couple of players who will be leaving Allianz Stadium.

While it was expected that Pirlo would make several signings this summer, a surprising name was mentioned as his top target ahead of the next season. Pirlo’s “first choice” at the moment is Arsenal right back Bellerin, Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport reported.

The Italian manager requested Juve to pursue Bellerin and is said to be determined to seal a deal “even if it will not be easy to please” the player, the report said.

The 25-year-old has already made his mark in the current Gunners squad, having progressed through the youth ranks. However, some reports claim Bellerin is facing an uncertain future with Arsenal as Arteta’s side is believed to be open to listening to offers.

Injuries hindered Bellerin’s campaign last season, and he only managed to complete 15 Premier League outings for the Gunners. But this may not be a problem for Juventus.

The reigning Serie A champ had no interest in Bellerin during the time of previous boss Sarri, but their stance has apparently changed with Pirlo now in charge.

However, one factor may put an end to Juve’s interest in landing Bellerin. Arsenal’s initial asking price for the right-back is currently around €30 million ($36 million), a price tag that could possibly make Pirlo withdraw from the race.

Juve’s priority is to sell, so even if it has money to spare for a signing like Bellerin, the club may not be willing to pay that much, especially with other targets on its list.

Another Arsenal player currently being targeted by a club boss is Kieran Tierney. Following Ben Chilwell’s departure, reports revealed that Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers is now keen on pursuing Tierney to fill the hole Chilwell left behind in his squad.