Juventus and Chile midfield powerhouse Arturo Vidal is once again at the centre of speculation this summer, and could finally be ready to make a move away from the Old Lady.
The Italian giants (11/5 with Coral to win the Champions League) are reportedly closing in on Real Madrid midfielder and soon-to-be free agent Sami Khedira, sending the rumour mill into overdrive.
With Juve potentially ready to cash in on the South American superstar, Coral writers speculate which European club could pounce for vivacious Vidal. Here are our prime suspects…
Arsenal: evens Vidal’s agent was supposedly spotted watching the Gunners thrash Aston Villa at Wembley, and the FA Cup winners boast a strong case for capturing the Chilean dynamo to add further tenacity alongside compatriot Alexis Sanchez.
Arsenal should certainly be looking to add more physical presence to their midfield, and though the 28-year-old often plays a more attacking role for his nation, Vidal has displayed great discipline when holding down the fort in a deeper role for Juve.
Liverpool: 6/1 The Reds have also been linked with luring Vidal to the Premier League, but their lack of Champions League football next season could hamper any recruitment efforts.
Brendan Rodgers may have significant funds to spend, and increased wage packets to offer, if Liverpool decide to sell contract rebel Raheem Sterling and offload the likes of Mario Balotelli, however.
There is a gaping hole in midfield where departed captain Steven Gerrard used to be, and Vidal has the perfect box-to-box skillset to replace the skipper. If he can be convinced to swap Turin for Merseyside, that is.
Manchester United: 4/1 The Vidal to Old Trafford saga seems to have rumbled on for seasons now, and there is no smoke without fire. The Old Lady’s midfield engine would be a perfect fit for Louis van Gaal’s side.
Having proven he can still compete at the top level following a serious knee injury, Vidal could well be back on the Red Devils’ hitlist. The Juve superstar’s dynamism, workrate and effort at both ends of the pitch means he could complement either Michael Carrick or Ander Herrera seamlessly, adding strength to a United midfield that can look lightweight without Marouane Fellaini.
Manchester City: 16/1 Should City lose Yaya Toure and his driving runs from deep, and also miss out on apparent target Paul Pogba, the France international’s clubmate could be a realistic option for the Sky Blues.
The Citizens need players who are leaders on the pitch, and Vidal has spirit in spades as well as skill. An excellent all-rounder, the experienced international is rumoured to be available for a very affordable £28.5m.
Real Madrid: 16/1 It is no secret that Los Blancos require reinforcements in midfield, with Khedira set to depart, and the talented trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez providing little in the way of defensive contribution.
Madrid do have young-guns Lucas Silva and Casemiro in their ranks plus out-of-favour Asier Illarramendi, but doubts remain over the latter two’s Bernabeu futures.
With big changes afoot and a new coach being recruited to take over the Real reins, the Spanish giants could see Vidal as the ideal high-profile addition to help solve their problems in the middle of the park, after he impressed against them in the Champions League.
Coral’s top betting tip: Back Man Utd at a tasty 4/1 to capture Vidal this time around
