Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini has revealed uncertainty when asked about his future at the Serie A club. The Italian international is under contract with the bianconeri until 2013 but has been heavily linked with several top European clubs including Premier League sides Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.
It is understood that Arsenal are Chiellini’s most keen admirers given their current lack of options at the back. It is expected that the likes of Mikael Silvestre, William Gallas and Philippe Senderos will all leave the Emirates this summer, leaving only Thomas Vermaelen and Sol Campbell as experienced Premier League hands. Nevertheless, despite the interest from north London the Italian, who is still only 25-years-old and valued in the region of £20 million, has also caught the eye of his compatriots Carlo Ancelotti and Roberto Mancini at Chelsea and Manchester City respectively.
While champions Chelsea appear well stocked in the defensive positions at Stamford Bridge, it is believed that Roberto Mancini has eyed Chiellini’s physical quality as a possible addition at Eastlands. Best known in England for the challenge which wrecked Robin van Persie’s Arsenal season last term, he is tipped to follow in the footsteps of Fabio Cannavaro as a future captain of the Azzurri and will no doubt be integral to the defence of his nation’s World Cup title.
Juventus failed to secure Champions League football after a poor season in Serie A, and have compounded the on field problems by handing the managerial reins to a third coach inside the last six months. Criticised in the media for their inability to compete with Jose Mourinho’s all-conquering Inter Milan several of their stars including the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Felipe Melo and Sebastian Giovinco have all been tipped to quit the club.
Speaking to Sky Italia about his future and pinpointing the areas at the club which Juve need to change in the near future, Chiellini stated:
"Will I stay at Juventus? I don't know yet, I have not talked with anyone.
"I think yes, if they want me. I also want to see what the ideas are of the new club leaders in terms of team and players.
"We need important reinforcements in all roles and a champion that makes a difference - Ribery could give us the change of pace that is now missing.
"Then we will see at the end of the market how the team will be. But it won't be easy to compete with Inter Milan immediately."