Vidal in action for Chile at the World Cup. Manchester United and Liverpool transfer target Arturo Vidal was 'misinterpreted' after an 'embarrassing' transfer interview according to Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta.
As reported by the London Evening Standard, the 27-year-old was interviewed at an airport, and appeared to open the door to a move this summer. Liverpool and Manchester United have both been linked with the midfielder in recent weeks, with Juventus thought to be looking for £45m.
Vidal said: "Can I say I will remain with Juve? I don't know."
But Juve chief Marotta insists Vidal was misquoted because he was flustered at the line of questioning as he was waiting in the queue for his bags.
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Vidal extension
"It's very simple," Marotta said. "Vidal extended his contract with us last season as there was a reciprocal desire to continue this rapport.
"There is no reason for him to leave. Yesterday he gave an interview in a rushed and embarrassed manner, as he was getting his luggage and so was misinterpreted.
"I can assure and confirm Vidal is happy to be with us and there's no reason for alarm. He had these problems with the knee injury and rushing the recovery for the World Cup, so will take a while to find his fitness.
"Nobody can doubt the quality of the player, nor how strong his bond is with Juventus."
Chile at the World Cup
The Chilean international struggled at the World Cup with a knee injury as his side won plaudits for their adventurous style of play. The box-to-box midfielder has formed a strong partnership with Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo at Juventus, but following the departure of influential coach Antonio Conte, speculation has mounted that he could leave.
United signed Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao for £28m, with a view to playing the Spaniard in central midfield. And he made an excellent first impression in United's preseason friendly against LA Galaxy this week, pulling the strings as Louis Van Gaal got off to a 7-0 winning start.
But a partnership with Vidal in the middle of midfield would be a huge upgrade over United's current options, and would turn a position of weakness into one of the best units in the league.
Liverpool meanwhile, are looking to make a 'marquee' signing with the £75m received for Luis Suarez from Barcelona. Brendan Rodgers has already been extremely busy this summer, and today reports claim the Reds have agreed a £20m fee with Southampton for Dejan Lovren.
The Croatian international is set to undergo at medical at Anfield tomorrow.
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