As much as Juventus would be reluctant to sell Paul Pogba, president Andrea Agnelli concedes they may be unable to resist huge bids for his signature.
The former Manchester United youngster has made a huge impression since swapping the Old Trafford reserves for a starring role for the Bianconeri last summer, making 27 Serie A appearances whilst helping his new club to the title in his debut season. This term he has continued this fine form, featuring in all their matches thus far.
Pogba, who is likely to add to his three full international caps for France during the coming week, is under contract at the Turin giants until 2016, but it is believed talks are progressing on a new and improved deal. However, Agnelli admits that should a substantial bid arrive for the midfielder, the club could be unable to keep hold of the 20-year-old.
“If I was to judge it from a footballers’ point of view, Italy is no longer the final destination but a transit destination,” he said at the Leaders in Football conference. “I am trying to think what will be of us in two or three years’ time if we get a massive offer for one of the best talents we have today, Pogba, the French 20-year-old.
“Would we be able to retain him? I don’t know. I don’t think at the moment we have the strength to retain such a player. Look at what happened to Milan. They had to give away Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to pay the cheques. At the end of the day you can be attractive, but you also need to have the economic strength.”
Arsenal, who were thought to be interested in signing Pogba when it became clear he was to leave Manchester, are said to have made another approach for his signature during the summer. Arsene Wenger is a huge admirer of his compatriot, and with more cash to spend on his improving Gunners squad, he may yet return with an improved bid.
