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The Cristiano Ronaldo Effect: 5 Players Who Could Leave Juventus Following CR7's Arrival
July 12, 2018 at 12:00:00 AM GMT+1
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Cristiano Ronaldo is enjoying his last few days on holiday in Greece, before flying to Turin for Monday's big welcoming ceremony at the Allianz Stadium.

Meanwhile Juventus, after ticking the Portuguese star off their shopping list, are now inevitably looking to let go of one or two players that would bring some cash back in the Vecchia Signora's piggy bank.

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri would undoubtedly love to keep his squad intact. However, the costly operations needed to paint a couple of black stripes on Ronaldo's all-white shirt, mean that we should expect to see at least one top player or club veteran bid farewell.

1. Gonzalo Higuain

Gonzalo Higuain is potentially the most likely to leave Turin during the present summer transfer window, despite scoring 40 goals for Juventus in his two seasons at the club.

The Argentine striker, who cost the Bianconeri €90m back in 2016 and is therefore the second most expensive transfer market operation in Serie A history (behind, of course, Ronaldo's purchase), left rivals Napoli in order to help Juventus lift the Champions League and consolidate their supremacy in Italy.

Higuain indeed contributed to the club's recent national successes. Europe, though, is yet to be conquered.

'Pipita' spent four seasons at Real Madrid with Ronaldo, but he may just be greeting his old teammate at the airport in case a satisfactory offer around €50m arrives.

If Maurizio Sarri is appointed as Chelsea's new boss, Higuain could very well be on top of the Italian manager's wish list.

2. Alex Sandro

Alex Sandro has been very convincing during his time at Juventus and many European top clubs have set their eyes on the Brazilian left-back.

The 27-year-old appears to be tempting French champions Paris Saint-Germain. The Parisians already signed football legend Gianluigi Buffon from the Italians this summer and look willing to going back to Turin for some extra shopping.

Alex Sandro's potential departure could also lead to another incredible transfer operation.

With a free left-back spot, Juventus supporters could start dreaming on the arrival of a second Real Madrid star: Marcelo.

Italian papers and websites are taking a close look at Marcelo's social media profiles. After dropping a like on Juventus 's official social media page, one of the Brazilian's posts tells Ronaldo that "we'll play together very soon".

3. Claudio Marchisio

Juventus supporters call him 'Il Principino' ('the Little Prince'), because like a real gentleman he has never betrayed the Old Lady. This time round though, the Bianconeri may be dismissing their loyal servant.

Claudio Marchisio has been playing for the club since 2005, with a brief experience at Empoli between 2006 and 2007.

Following his many injuries, Marchisio has lost his position inside the first team and is not considered indispensable anymore.

Monaco appear to be interested in the 32-year-old midfielder and may soon approach Juventus with an offer.

Non-European clubs are also keeping a close eye on Marchisio. In particular, from the United Arab Emirates.

4. Medhi Benatia

Medhi Benatia could also leave Juventus before the end of the summer.

The Morocco international has often featured in the Bianconeri's starting lineup last season, but the Italians may let him go - particularly if they are serious about moving for Diego Godin.

Marseille could be Benatia's future destination. On the French riviera, he would rejoin with coach Rudi Garcia, with whom the Moroccan defender worked when playing for Roma back in 2013.

5. Daniele Rugani

23-year-old Daniele Rugani may also be concluding his adventure at Juventus, after signing from Empoli in 2015.

The young defender could be making his way to London in the summer, as Chelsea appear to be ready to offer £35m for the Italy international.

Rugani has made 54 appearances for the Old Lady and scored four goals.

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