Happy New Years Tuddor.
The thing is I've been saying Juve is and remain closest to Fernando Llorente and since the summer. Why? The reason is Llorente aside from his obvious Bilbai support has grown up not only to be a Serie A fan, but a hard core Juventino (to which is keeps down low about for respect to the fans).
Since he chose to go out of Athletic Club in the beginning of the season, the fans and Marcelo Bielsa have turned on him when no move was processed since asking for a transfer out of Euskadi isn't exactly met with geniality. Therefore Bielsa thought him a rather harsh lesson and has benched him permanently with some intermittent appearances off the bench here and there. Bielsa and Llorente both have agreed that its best to leave the club out of mutual terms, therefore why Llorente has made his decision public to leave Athletic Club.
Yes, he has interest in the PL yet his initial reason wanting to leave Athletic was because he wanted to fulfil his dream of joining Juve as otherwise he was relatively happy. Within the summer he pushed hard enough to request Athletic Club president Urrutia to force a move there.
Here are my factors on why and why he will not come to Juve.
Why he might not:
-Urrutia is a hard man to play business with when dealing with transfers especially when it comes to Basque golden boy Llorente
-Marotta; That name says it all as he has failed to address the striker need for quite some time. He might say "we are going for Llorente" but will likely end up acquiring Aquafresca knowing him.
Why he may join:
-Is a lifelong Juventino
-Is confirmed to be leaving Athletic Club
-Is out of contract this summer
-Isn't playing at all for Athletic nor will be starting
My prediction is Juve will move for him in the Winter Mercato but cut out by Urrutia then proceed to finally acquire him within the summer for free. I can't really predict since Juve and Marotta are unpredictable in their choices and successes but its all on the table as of now. Sources say Juve are just continually bidding for Llorente until Urrutia budges and sells Fernando. But Juve's interest is official and Athletic despite being difficult are willing to sell.
Plus side is Llorente knowing him will eventually force a move again. Under his calm demeanour lay a hot temper.
