Transfer News: Juventus Rejects Huge Deal from Barca For Pogba

Juventus has reportedly rejected Barcelona FC’s €80 million offer to get the service of French midfielder Paul Pogba. Barca directors Ariedo Braida and Alberto Soler flew to Italy on Wednesday for a meeting with Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta, but the formers opening bid was declined.

Having already sold Carlos Tevez to Boca Juniors and with Andrea Pirlos set to depart to New York City FC, Marotta is unwilling to lose another key player, although they could entertain another talks should Barca increase their offer to €100 million as per Goal.com. Barcelona’s interest to Pogba was reportedly believed to be part of the Camp Nou presidential elections in just over two weeks wherein all the candidates want to buy the French international and register him for the 2016-2017 season when Barca’s ban from signing new players will be lifted.

“The mood of the meeting was very good, terrific. But we did not reach an agreement for Pogba with Barcelona. We received an offer of €80 million. But I can say that Juventus do not want to sell Pogba,” Marotta said via WorldSoccerTalk.com.

Pogba has emerged as the primary target of many teams in the upcoming transfer window, but Barcelona has been the most consistent in courting the French international. The La Liga team offered Juventus €70 million a few months ago for Pogba, which the latter also rejected.

Pogba, who joined Juventus in 2012 on a Bosman transfer from Manchester United, has been strongly linked with clubs including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City despite carrying a reported €100 million price tag. The 22-year old footballer has turned into one of the world’s most sought-after player along the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Brazil’s Neymar. He signed a contract extension with Juventus back in October which locked him up with the Turin club until June 2019.