Cuadrado before undergoing medical. PHOTO/ Courtesy
MILAN, August 25 – Chelsea forward Juan Cuadrado is set to undergo a medical at Juventus on Tuesday ahead of joining the Italian champions on a season-long loan deal.
Cuadrado moved to Stamford Bridge in a 35 million euro ($34.9 million) deal only six months ago from Fiorentina, but the Colombian international has become surplus to requirements under Blues coach Jose Mourinho.
Juventus have been looking to bolster their attacking midfield since the departure of Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich) and Andrea Pirlo (New York City FC) and amid the ongoing injury absence of Sami Khedira.
The signing of Cuadrado has been welcomed by fans, especially after Juve’s shock 1-0 defeat to Udinese on the opening weekend of Serie A when their attacking midfield failed to spark.
Television pictures in Italy on Monday night showed the 27-year-old arriving at Milan’s Malpensa airport, where he was surrounded by over 100 enthusiastic Juventus supporters.
Juventus have yet to make any official statement, although club CEO Beppe Marotta said last week: “He will come on a loan deal. Six months ago Cuadrado was the subject of a 35 million euro transfer: today this opportunity came up, and we took it.
“Now, it’s up to (Juventus coach, Massimiliano) Allegri to see where he fits in with the team.”
La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper said Tuesday Cuadrado could play for Juventus as early as this weekend’s clash with scudetto rivals Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
