Fabio Paratici

[Socrates 7971]

Juventus not interested in signing Drogba, says Marotta

The powerful attacker has recently been linked with the Serie A champions,

but the Italian giants have no plans to try and sign the 34-year-old.

Oct 24, 2012

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has insisted that his side have never thought about signing Didier Drogba, and have no intention to go after the Shanghai Shenhua star in the January transfer window either.

The Cote d'Ivoire international, 34, is reportedly unhappy at his current club, and has recently been linked with a move to Italy, with the Old Lady keen to add some more firepower to their squad.

However, the former Chelsea striker is not one of the candidates to strengthen the Serie A leaders' attack this winter.

"We have never considered making a move for Drogba. That's just rumour and speculation," Marotta told Mediaset Premium.

Juventus are also be said to be monitoring the situation's of Roma's Pablo Osvaldo and Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente.

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta defends Juve transfer policy

Oct 26, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has defended his actions on the transfer market for the Old Lady.

Marotta’s moves were placed into doubt by some of the club’s shareholders on Friday morning, but he’s hit back.

“It’s true, errors have been made,” he noted. “Jorge Martinez [signed for €12m from Catania], above all, but you only make mistakes when you actually buy.

“Over the last two years we have had to oversee, not a revolution, but a significant rejuvenation. We’ve signed 22 players and you can get a few signings wrong.

“But don’t forget about the ones we got right, like Andrea Pirlo on a free, Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal – a player we signed for €10m and one for whom we rejected an offer of €30m.

“We turned that down because Juventus are not a selling club.”

Marotta also insisted that Juve made the right decision in agreeing to sell Ciro Immobile to Genoa in a co-ownership.

“In order to get the best out of youngsters, you have to give other clubs an incentive to do that,” he continued. “Simple loan moves often don’t work in the same way.

“Look at Sebastian Giovinco. We sold a half share in him for €4m to Parma and we signed him back for €11m – now he is a €15m player.”

The former Sampdoria official also revealed the truth behind Juventus’ apparent attempt to hijack Fiorentina’s deal for Dimitar Berbatov in the summer.

“We contacted the player and he told us that he would never join Fiorentina,” Marotta claimed. “He said he just had to decide between us and Fulham, who were bossed by his former Coach Martin Jol.

“Fiorentina keep attacking us, but the truth is that we helped them to not look foolish.”

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta: Juventus are not a selling club

The general director has reacted to criticism of the Bianconeri's recent transactions,

insisting the club have made positive strides forward over the past two years.

Oct 26, 2012

Beppe Marotta has defended Juventus' transfer policy and insists the Bianconeri are not a selling club.

The Old Lady are the reigning Serie A champions and remain unbeaten in their last 47 league encounters. But, some fans remain unhappy with a number of deals and voiced their concerns at a shareholders' meeting on Friday - with Marotta hitting back.

"It's true, errors have been made," said the general director.

"Over the last two years we have had to oversee, not a revolution, but a significant rejuvenation. We’ve signed 22 players and you can get a few signings wrong.

"But don't forget about [the signings] we got right. Andrea Pirlo on a free, Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal – a player we signed for €10m and one for whom we rejected an offer of €30m.

"We turned that down because Juventus are not a selling club."

Marotta also claimed that Juve made the right decision to sell Ciro Immobile to Genoa in a co-ownership deal, and gave an example of how loan moves can work well.

"In order to get the best out of youngsters, you have to give other clubs an incentive to do that,” he continued.

“Simple loan moves often don’t work in the same way. Look at Sebastian Giovinco. We sold a half share in him for €4m to Parma and we signed him back for €11m – now he is a €15m player."

[Socrates 7971]

Juve-Fiorentina row escalates

Oct 27, 2012

The bitter row between Fiorentina and Juventus escalated again after Daniele Pradè challenged Beppe Marotta to “say that to my face in a locked room.”

These two clubs have always been rivals, but the rapport deteriorated to a new low after this summer’s chaos over Dimitar Berbatov.

The Viola accused Juve of poaching the player while he was en route to complete a medical, though the Bianconeri insist they only stepped in after Manchester United had alerted them to Berbatov turning down the offer. He eventually signed for Fulham instead.

“I have not snubbed or insulted Fiorentina,” argued Juventus director general Marotta this week.

“If anything, we did them a favour and helped them to avoid an embarrassing situation.”

Viola director of sport Pradè gave a rather aggressive response.

“Let him say that to my face in a locked room, just the two of us. I need add nothing more.”

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta: Errors a part of game

Nov 5, 2012

Director general at Juventus Beppe Marotta has reflected that refereeing errors from the game against Inter are a part of the game and do even out.

Juve’s goal in their 3-1 defeat at home to Inter and Stephan Lichtsteiner not receiving a second yellow card were two contentious points of debate to Week 11’s key fixture.

However, where Inter President Massimo Moratti suggested that they were unjustifiable errors with an element of intent, Marotta looked to quell the controversy.

“There is so much bitterness for losing to a direct rival like Inter, but we have already closed that chapter,” he began, in reflecting on his side’s 49-League game unbeaten run coming to an end.

“The refereeing errors? They are a component of the game, they have been and they continue to be, even the greatest referees commit errors.

“The difference is that now you can dissect every detail on the television. First you have to exclude any possibility of bad faith, because in the long run the episodes in favour and against balance out in some way.”

[Socrates 7971]

Juventus cannot afford top players, says Marotta

The director has explained that the club can no longer sanction the purchase of marquee

names and that all Italian teams are being hit by the financial crisis in the country.

Nov 8, 2012

Beppe Marotta says Juventus are unable to afford some of the world's best players, despite the Serie A champions being linked with a number of big names.

The Old Lady are reportedly in the market for a new striker and the likes of Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain and Manchester City's Edin Dzeko have been tipped for a move to Turin in January.

Marotta, though, has said the club does not have the financial power to attract those types of players to Juventus stadium, and he admitted the financial situation in Italy has left a number of clubs in a similar position.

"Van Persie, Higuain, Suarez and Dzeko? They are great names, but it is almost a utopian way to think," he told Corriere dello Sport.

"I don't speak only for Juventus, but for all the Italian teams. We are in a time of great decline, so I think it's really difficult to imagine that a team may invest more than €30 million for a player of this quality."

Despite being the second highest scorers in the division, Antonio Conte's team have struggled to find a regular goalscorer, but Marotta's admission looks to have put an end to rumours of the Bianconeri bolstering their attack.

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta: 'Conte's decision on Pogba'

Nov 10, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta reveals Antonio Conte “made the decision” to punish Paul Pogba by dropping him.

The midfielder was left out of the squad for tonight’s trip to Pescara after he turned up late to two training sessions, but unusually the club confirmed the reason with a statement.

“There are some rules to be respected and the leader of the group, who is Antonio Conte, decided on this course of action. It is not punishment, but rather educational for a young player like Pogba,” said Marotta.

Pogba’s agent had bitterly criticised the club and suggested Conte was “unable” to handle a team at the highest level.

“Juventus are perfectly capable of making their own decisions for their players. Raiola does not know the situation.”

Lucio was expected to start tonight, but once again he is only on the bench.

“He is an experienced player who came here to give us a hand in case of emergencies. He always trains professionally and has never hinted he wants a transfer.

“Pescara are on paper an inferior side to Juventus, but the most difficulties usually come in these games. I am certain Conte has worked on the team psychologically and ensured we will not underestimate our opponents.”

Marotta also insisted there are “no negotiations with Pescara” for Juan Fernando Quintero.

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta 'won't rule out' Drogba

Nov 17, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta won’t deny a January offer for Didier Drogba. “I won’t rule anything out.”

The Bianconeri are still looking for a top class centre-forward and there are reports that Drogba is ready to quit Shangai Shenhua.

“Drogba? I won’t rule anything out,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia this evening.

“We will not be making any revolutions or important investments, though. We have built a competitive squad for the tournaments we are involved in, but do not have the arrogance to think we can go all the way in the Champions League.”

Juve face a must-win European match with Chelsea on Tuesday evening and prepare for it by welcoming Lazio to Turin today.

Marotta was also asked about the recent row between Antonio Conte and Inter striker Antonio Cassano, as the pair traded insults via the media.

“I don’t want to further stoke the fires of controversy. Conte did not want to attack Cassano, but rather outline his ideal player.

“Cassano is a great champion, but clearly there has to be a great man in there too and at times he has let himself go into some unfortunate situations. I hope he can have more respect for his Coaches and not continue with this controversy.”

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta coy over Drogba to Juventus reports

The former Chelsea striker has been linked with a move to the Bianconeri,

but the club's director general is remaining tight-lipped over the speculation.

Nov 17, 2012

Beppe Marotta has responded to reports linking Juventus with Didier Drogba by stating that the club will explore all avenues in the January transfer window.

The Old Lady have long been accused of lacking a proven goalscorer, with Alessandro Matri, Fabio Quagliarella, Mirko Vucinic and summer signings Sebastian Giovinco and Nicklas Bendtner failing to produce on a regular basis.

The likes of Edinson Cavani and Fernando Llorente have been mentioned as possible targets, but with the club not able to spend vast sums on transfer fees, the Shanghai Shenhua striker could fit the bill.

"Our results have shown that we are competitive. However, it is clear that we can make some improvements," Marotta told reporters.

"We will not exclude anything, even if we are not in the market. Our rotation policy? We will play in all competitions to the best of our powers, but the final decision will always be made by the coach."

Marotta then gave his stance on the ongoing controversy between Antonio Conte and Antonio Cassano, with the pair embroiled in a bitter war of words.

"When Conte spoke of players that could be of use to Juventus and those who would not serve a purpose, he was not referring to Antonio, he was being hypothetical," he added.

"I do not want to feed any more controversy. Antonio is a star, but often his character lets him down in footballing terms."

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta talks Juventus transfers

Nov 22, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has underlined that Champions League progress could subsequently aid the club in the transfer market.

The Old Lady were unable to sign a big name striker in the summer that they so desperately wanted, but a good European run could help Marotta bring in new faces.

“The Champions League is also appealing for economic reasons,” the former Sampdoria official stated. “That is why it is important to progress.

“Signing a striker in January, putting our financial resources to one side, will also depend a lot of who is available at the time…”

The Turin giants have been paired with a possible move for Didier Drogba, the Ivorian international who is now playing his football in China with Shanghai Shenhua.

“I will exclude nothing,” Marotta said when asked about the former Chelsea striker.

[Socrates 7971]

Bendtner was the cheap option, reveals Marotta

The director of Bianconeri has revealed the reasoning behind the Denmark striker's

move to Turin and admitted that a big money signing was out of the picture.

Nov 26, 2012

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that the reason for signing Nicklas Bendtner was because he was the cheap option.

The 24-year old arrived on a loan deal from Arsenal on the last day of the summer transfer window, but has failed to establish himself in the starting line-up, causing questions to be asked by the club's fans.

And Marotta has now revealed the reasons behind the move.

"Each deal needs economical reasoning before happening," he explained to Rai Sport.

"We were not able to make a big money signing last summer but we wanted another striker in case we suffered from a lot of injuries or suspensions, which is the reason we chose to sign Bendtner on loan."

The Denmark international is yet to score for Juve in his seven appearances, and explained his feelings regarding being behind Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco in the pecking order.

"I am not in charge and I think Antonio Conte is a great coach," he said.

"Whoever he puts in the team it is up to him, and I respect that. It is right that Conte makes his own choice but I believe that I am a game-changer and I want to play."

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta: Winning is in Juventus' DNA

The Turin powerhouse's general director has stressed that winning comes naturally

to his side, and is confident they will survive the Champions League group stages.

Nov 28, 2012

Giuseppe Marotta is confident that Juventus can successfully defend their Serie A title as winning has become second nature for the Old Lady.

The titleholders were beaten by both Inter and AC Milan in recent weeks, but remain first in the league table, and the club's general director has little doubt that they will stay ahead of their rivals.

"The title race is open and it’s our duty to believe we can do it. We've got respect for everyone, but Juve must look to win, it’s in our DNA," he told Sky TG24.

"Last year we won the championship with our never-say-die attitude. From there we’ve continued our positive run and we’re still top of the league as it stands."

Marotta then went on to discuss his side's chances of making the knock-out stages of the Champions League, and stressed that they have the quality to progress.

"The Champions League is an important competition. We have the desire to go through to the knock-out stages, but there’s still a way to go.

"We’re convinced we’ve got a balanced squad which is up to the standard required to reach this target."

Juventus currently sit second in Group E of the Champions League, and a draw against Shakhtar Donetsk on matchday 6 will be enough to secure progress to the knockout stages.

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta: Juventus ‘forced’ to win

Nov 28, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta insists that it is in the club’s DNA to fight for the Italian championship.

The Old Lady won the Scudetto last term, but they’ve suffered a dip in form having picked up just four points from their last four games.

“Last year we won the championship with our never-say-die attitude. From there we’ve continued our positive run and we’re still top of the League as it stands,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“We know that we’ve got experienced competition and we can’t help but acknowledge the value of our opposition.

“The title race is open and it’s our duty to believe we can do it. We’ve got respect for everyone, but Juve must look to win, it’s in our DNA.”

The Bianconeri took an early grip on the championship, but they are now just two points clear of Napoli.

“Napoli are a well equipped team, built with focused signings,” Marotta noted. “They have a Coach who has been there for years and it’s natural they should play a key role this season.

“There’s also the club’s prestige and history, they have every right to be considered as title contenders.”

Marotta also played down reports that tension and anxiety had hit the squad after defeats to Inter and Milan.

“Nothing happened between Claudio Marchisio and Leonardo Bonucci,” he said of an apparent rift between the two.

“Fabio Quagliarella, meanwhile, was fined but only after a calm discussion with him. He was angry at being substituted in a game where the team were losing and he wanted to help his teammates to get an equaliser. It was an anger that immediately passed.”

Marotta was then unsurprisingly asked abut his club’s ‘problems’ in attack after another summer passed without the capture of a top player in attack.

“If we consider last year’s championship and the first part of the current campaign, Juventus have the most prolific attack,” he argued.

“We’ve scored 94 goals and we’ve never had difficulties in putting the ball in the back of the net.

“We’re the team with the highest number of different goalscorers and our tactical ethos is geared towards players breaking forward, so it’s not just the strikers who get on the scoresheet.

“Let’s also remember that last year we had the strongest defence and the best goal difference. We know it’s our duty to improve but there’s no need to plug gaps in January.”

[Socrates 7971]

Juventus & AC Milan have an excellent rapport, insists Marotta

The Serie A champions' general director has dismissed rumours that the relationship

between both teams has turned sour following recent incidents.

Nov 29, 2012

Giuseppe Marotta has insisted that there are no problems between Juventus and AC Milan following the recent refereeing controversies involving both sides.

The two sides have seemingly had a tense relationsip in recent months following a controversial decision not to allow Sulley Muntari a goal when they met last season.

However, Marotta has stressed that the recent events have not affected the status of their rapport.

"There has always been a good rapport between Juventus and Milan," he told Sky TG24 when questioned on the matter.

"There’s the right competitiveness on the pitch and everyone wants to win, but we also have common off-field objectives designed to reach a winning strategy."

Juventus' general director also took the time to discuss the Bianconeri's attacking situation, and insisted that they do not have any problems up front.

"If we consider last year’s championship and the first part of the current campaign, Juventus have the most prolific attack. We've scored 94 goals and we've never had difficulties in putting the ball in the back of the net.

"We’re the team with the highest number of different goalscorers and our tactical ethos is geared towards players breaking forward, so it’s not just the strikers who get on the score-sheet."

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta drops Juve transfer hint

Dec 5, 2012

Beppe Marotta has confirmed Juventus “will evaluate what the transfer market offers us in January.”

The Bianconeri are Serie A leaders and a point away to Shakhtar Donetsk tonight would put them into the Champions League last 16.

“This game is certainly an important test for the team. We arrive at this match with confidence, knowing we have the right cards in our hand to play,” said the general manager at the Donbass Arena.

“When Juve take part in any competition, they must always try to achieve the best result. We are still growing, but getting into the top 16 clubs in Europe would allow us – with a little luck – to face easier opponents than in this group.”

If they do qualify, then Marotta hinted at some additions to the squad in the transfer window.

“The club will evaluate what the transfer market offers us in January, but the squad has done well so far.”

[Socrates 7971]

Juventus can compete with anyone, says Marotta

The Old Lady director has little doubt about his side's potential

to go far in Europe following their performances in the group stages.

Dec 6, 2012

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta feels that the Bianconeri have shown during the group stages of the Champions League that they have the quality to compete with any opposition.

The Serie A champions beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 on Wednesday evening to secure top spot in Group E and book their ticket for the knock-out stages, and Marotta was quite pleased with his side's performances in European club football's elite competition.

"We've come through a tough group, winning the last two games against European champions Chelsea and the revelation of the tournament, Shakhtar," Marotta was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"Our self-esteem has increased with each game and we've shown that we can compete with anyone.

"There's no point playing the guessing game about the draw, but one thing that's important is we have the return leg at home."

Juventus will find out who their opponents are in the round of 16 during the draw in Nyon on December 20.

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta rules out Juventus pursuit of Drogba

The Ivorian had been put forward as a possible striking reinforcement for the Bianconeri,

who have been accused of lacking potency, but their general manager is looking elsewhere.

Dec 21, 2012

Beppe Marotta has dismissed suggestions that Juventus are ready to sign Didier Drogba once the transfer window reopens in January.

The Cote d'Ivoire international only joined Shanghai Shenhua in the summer after he opted to call time on his eight-year spell at Chelsea, but he has been linked with a move to Turin following the Italian champions' struggles to find a consistent goalscorer.

However, speaking prior to Juventus' Serie A clash with Cagliari on Friday, the general manager explained that Drogba's imminent participation in the African Cup of Nations and Giorgio Chiellini's injury have forced the Bianconeri to change their plans in the market.

"Drogba? I don't know who has come up with this idea, but we have not had any contact, partly because he will play at the Africa Cup of Nations and be unavailable for an extended period," Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

"Due to the sale of Lucio and Chiellini's injury, we are looking for a defensive player. Regarding the attack, we are vigilant because there is also the Champions League.

"But you must have respect for this group of players. We are the team that have scored the highest number of goals in the box."

Marotta also reflected on the Lega Calcio's decision to move the match against the Sardinians to the Tardini in Emilia-Romagna and insisted that his side had no choice but to follow the governing body's orders.

"We had to adjust ourselves to the Lega Calcio's decision to move the venue," he added. "It is an inconvenience for us and our fans who have had to pay for tickets, but they will be refunded.

"It's no good to see a game like this with only 3,000 spectators."

[Socrates 7971]

‘Juventus won’t spend big’

Jan 14, 2013

Beppe Marotta has told Juventus fans to forget about any major signings before the end of this month.

The Old Lady have been strongly linked with a possible bid for Shanghai Shenhua ace Didier Drogba, but the director general seems to have ruled out that option.

“The transfer window will close without any major signings,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “The January market is not offering important names for Juventus.

“We are looking around, evaluating, but in the meantime we want to recover those players who are absent with injury or participating at the African Cup of Nations.

“We’re missing important elements like Claudio Marchisio, Giorgio Chiellini, Kwadwo Asamoah and Simone Pepe, while Mirko Vucinic is not playing continuously because of fitness issues.”

Juventus were hot favourites to retain their Scudetto, but a run of just one point from the last two games has seen their lead at the top of the table cut to just three points.

“January is perhaps a month where we don’t collect as many points as at other times of the year,” he said after the 1-1 draw at Parma.

“If we compare it to last year, after the win at Lecce we won three and drew four in a row.

“We’re calm, let’s distance the pessimism, we’re realists. The Championship can be likened to the tour of Italy, not Milano-Sanremo.

“We are targeting the finishing line. Juventus are always obliged to win.”

[Socrates 7971]

Juventus will not make any

big signings in January, says Marotta

The club's general director has all but ruled out any high-profile arrivals

at the Serie A champions, and he remains optimistic about his side's title chances.

Jan 14, 2013

Giuseppe Marotta has made it clear that Juventus do not plan to make any big signings in the January transfer window.

The Turin side have been linked with a number of strikers in the past few weeks as they aim to add some more firepower to their squad, but Marotta has stressed that the right opportunity has yet to come along this winter.

"I expect the January window to close without any big signings. The right opportunity has not presented itself to Juventus," the club's general director told Sky Sport Italia.

"We are obviously looking around and evaluating the situation of certain players, but our main objective at the moment is to recuperate injured players and those who will play at the AFCON."

Marotta also took the time to discuss Juventus' title chances following their recent loss against Sampdoria and draw versus Parma, and stressed that it's impossible to win all games.

"There's no reason to be pessimistic. We should remain realistic. Serie A is a bit like the Giro d'Italia. You simply cannot win every stage. It's the final standings that really matter."

Juventus currently hold a three-point lead over second-placed Lazio.

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta admits to 'advanced' talks for Llorente

The Old Lady's director has revealed negotiations are ongoing for the sought-after

Spain international, while simultaneously ruling out the sale of Arturo Vidal.

Jan 19, 2013

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has admitted the club are in discussions to sign Athletic Bilbao forward Fernando Llorente.

The Euro 2012 winner has long been linked with a move to Turin after declaring he would not be renewing his contract with Marcelo Bielsa's men, with the Basque side having given Juventus permission to offer their 27-year-old striker a deal.

"We are always looking to the future and monitoring players, which includes Llorente, who is out of contract," Marotta told assembled reporters.

"We are at an advanced stage."

Highly-rated Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal has also been the subject of purported interest from Germany and Spain recently, although the director was quick to rule out rumours of a sale.

"It’s no surprise that Bayern want Vidal, but there have been no offers. We are, in any case, more accustomed to buying than selling,” he concluded.

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta: Llorente will move to Juventus this summer

The Bianconeri CEO is confident that his club will be able to lure the Spain

international in the summer having missed out on a January transfer for the player.

Jan 21, 2013

Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta is confident of signing Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente.

Goal.com exclusively revealed that the Bianconeri had a January bid for the Spain international turned down last week, but the 57-year-old is certain that he will represent the club next season nonetheless.

"I do not beat around the bush, we told Athletic Bilbao that we are interested in the player and I'm optimistic about his contract. He will play for Juventus from July 1," the 57-year-old told Radio24.

Marotta went on to say the club are always monitoring the transfer market, but claimed that a move for Napoli star Edinson Cavani would be incredibly unlikely.

"We watch the market carefully, if there are possibilities of improving the group will try to catch them. Cavani is not only elusive for Juve, but for all the Italian teams," he added.

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta confirms Anelka deal

Jan 26, 2013

Juventus “are in an emergency situation, but Nicolas Anelka will be our only signing,” declared general manager Beppe Marotta.

Anelka has flown in on a private jet and could be in the stands for some of tonight’s Serie A match with Genoa.

He has arrived on loan from Shanghai Shenhua with a five-month contract worth €600,000 plus various performance-related bonuses.

“Anelka? In July we made some targeted investments, but now we are in an emergency situation in attack, so we moved to fix those issues, even if it is not official yet,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia before kick-off.

“It can be a good move for the short-term, then at the end of the season we’ll evaluate what must be done. He is filling a hole. It is a five-month contract with an option for the second season, if things go well.

“Anelka’s arrival rules out any other transfers, because in this stage of the transfer window there are no other opportunities.

“He will put himself at the disposal of the squad and it’ll be up to Antonio Conte to decide how to use him. After all, he is not in great physical condition considering he hasn’t played for a month.”

This week Juventus officially announced a deal to sign Fernando Llorente from Athletic Bilbao when he is out of contract in July.

“We secured Llorente for July, so Anelka is part of a very precise mosaic,” continued Marotta.

“We must be rational when it comes to the transfer market, as we cannot spend money for no reason.”

Marotta also confirmed Juventus “are negotiating” for Bebeto’s son.

[Socrates 7971]

Anelka is a stop-gap but Bebeto's son is one for the future, reveals Marotta

The Italian side's CEO has stated that whilst signing the Frenchman is only

a short-term solution, transfer target Mattheus would be a player for the future.

Jan 26, 2013

Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that Juventus' signing of Nicolas Anelka is merely a short-term move, whereas the potential capture of Brazil legend Bebeto's son Mattheus would be a signing for the future.

"We needed some reinforcements and Anelka will fill a gap. He will sign a five-month contract with an option for a second year if the circumstances are right," Marotta told Sky Sport 24.

"In this market, expectations are high but supplies are limited, which is why we are pursuing these types of transfers. Anelka will join an attack where Giovinco and Vucinic are playing with consistency. Matri and Quagliarella are available but they are not in optimal condition since they have not played official matches for a few weeks.

"Anelka is a temporary reinforcement because he has a contract for five months."

Although Marotta admitted that the 33-year-old Frenchman was unlikely to be more than a stop-gap for the Italian champions, he hinted at some summer signings - with Bebeto's son Mattheus possibly amongst them.

"We will make important investments in July. We could have spent money this month but we have to be shrewd and rational.

"Bebeto's son? He is an important name but he was only born in 1994 so it will take time to fully understand his qualities. We have not signed him yet."

The 18-year-old, currently of Flamengo, impressed at the South American Under-20 championship in Argentina and would present a forward-thinking signing for La Vecchia Signora.

[Socrates 7971]

Juventus priced out of Lisandro swoop, admits Marotta

The Bianconeri chief has poured cold water on the chances of the striker pitching up

in Turin this month due to being faced with what he considers an unreasonable price tag.

Jan 27, 2013

Beppe Marotta has revealed that Olympique Lyonnais have priced Juventus out of a move for Lisandro Lopez.

The Argentine forward had been linked with a switch to the reigning Serie A champions as the Old Lady look to add to their attacking options, with Nicolas Anelka set to join in the coming days.

However, the general manager ruled out any chances of Lisandro touching down in Turin imminently due to Lyon’s excessive valuation of the 29-year-old.

"I do not think Lisandro Lopez will join," Marotta told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"The position of the club is, as a result, frozen. Lisandro is a good player, but Lyon requested a transfer at a cost that does not appeal to us.

"We must stay cool and rational in this kind of market."

Juve have also secured Fernando Llorente on a Bosman free transfer, but the Basque striker must see out the remainder of the season with Athletic Bilbao.

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'Clubs in Europe at a disadvantage'

Feb 18, 2013

Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has called on Serie A to improve fixture congestion for club's involved in European competition.

The 57-year-old has claimed that Italian clubs are at a disadvantage when it comes to the Champions League and the Europa League, because of treatment from the League authorities.

“The Italian League is a difficult one that's very balanced,” he told reporters. “It's a really tough championship.

“So I think we need to appeal to the authorities for better planning of fixtures in relation to European commitments.

“This is a line of inquiry that we will be pursuing, and we hope to achieve something in the future.”