MARIO BALOTELLI is close to sealing a stunning move to Juventus on a free transfer in the summer.
The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker has scored an impressive 17 goals for Nice this season and his performances have alerted the reigning Serie A champions.
Free transfer specialists Juventus are looking to strike again — with Emre Can also closing in on a move for nothing in the summer.
The Old Lady’s relationship with Balotelli‘s agent Mino Raiola, who also represents Bianconeri stars Blaise Matuidi and Moise Kean, is key to the deal.
A five-year contract has already been drawn up, with a handsome signing-on bonus awaiting the striker, and he would play a key role in the first team, not just as back-up to Gonzalo Higuain.
He would be well received at the club, with Gianluigi Buffon, who could yet extend his playing career beyond the summer, particularly keen on a deal.
The legendary goalkeeper believes a move would also be beneficial to the Italian national side.
Juventus’ fans may need some convincing with Balotelli, 27, having regularly been considered enemy No 1 in Turin.
However, the club’s hierarchy know that it would only take a few good performances to get the supporters onside.
Balotelli, who has a trial with Barcelona at the age of 15, was considered the future of Italian football when he broke into the Inter Milan side at the age of 17.
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However, regular problems off the field saw him sold to City in the summer of 2010.
Despite his inconsistent performances, he became a cult hero at the Etihad, in particular for his part in the famous 6-1 victory over Manchester United.
Balotelli was allowed to return to Italy, but with Inter’s arch rivals AC Milan, where he showed glimpses of his talent before moving to Liverpool as a replacement for Luis Suarez.
He struggled at Anfield and eventually joined Nice in 2016 and has begun to show some of the reliability that had been seriously lacking in the early part of his career.
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