Juventus target Aquilani stay

Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed the Italian club will aim to sign Alberto Aquilani permanently from Liverpool.

The on-loan central midfielder has expressed his desire to stay at the Stadio Olimpico, and Marotta confirmed the club would look to use the clause to sign the 26-year-old to remain in Torino beyond his season-long stint.

“Well, let’s say that Aquilani is doing very well and we’re very satisfied. He should not be worried, since having him on loan doesn’t mean that we’re only evaluating him, but believing in him,” Marotta said.

“His skills are known since he has been in Roma and the Italy youth teams and therefore we’ll discuss with Liverpool the option of a permanent move.”

In another positive sign for Bianconeri fans, Marotta confirmed the club is aiming to extend the career of veteran Alessandro Del Piero.

“There is always this chance. Del Piero is a great professional player who has given much to Juventus,” he said.

“We’re trying to find an economic balance. It’s only a matter of time, which is needed to find an agreement, but we’re optimistic that we can achieve a positive result.”

Marotta said the injury concerns of Luca Toni (knee) and Alessandro Matri (ribs) have affected the club’s consistency on the pitch since the return to league duties after the Italian winter break.

“Well, they’re both great players, which we were missing mainly because of the injuries we have had in recent months. Therefore we have found a certain identity and consistency from a tactical point of view again,” he said.