Juventus transfer news: Axel Witsel’s move to Italians pulled at last minute by Zenit
Belgian midfielder was in Turin and had passed medical before deal was scrapped - but he could move for free in June
JUVENTUS failed in their bid to bring Axel Witsel to the club on transfer deadline day.
The Italians were confident of landing the Belgian international, with a deal worth £15million believed to be on the table.
But Witsel's club Zenit St Petersburg failed to sign a replacement in time, and called off the deal at the last minute.
Italian news sources are reporting that Juventus might have to wait until June next year to sign the 27-year-old, when he will be available on a free transfer.
However, depending on how desperate the Italian club are to fill the void left by Paul Pogba's move to Manchester United, they may opt to pay a reduced fee in January.
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Witsel was in Turin all day yesterday (Wednesday), even passing his medical with Juventus. But the plug was pulled by Zenit leaving The Old Lady high and dry.
There was better news regarding Juan Cuadrado, however.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte finally sanctioned a three-year loan move for the Colombian winger.
He joins the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Dani Alves, Miralem Pjanic, Marco Pjaca and Medhi Benatia who have all signed for Juventus this summer.