Scouting Juventus Transfer Target Mattia De Sciglio

As the summer draws nearer, talk inevitably turns to the transfer window as many of Europe's top clubs look to reinforce their squads in preparation for a new season.

Recent years have shown Juventus to be among the best prepared, often conducting the majority of their business early to sign the players they want as quickly as possible.

It appears the Bianconeri will once again need to make changes to their attack, with Chelsea's Oscar—the subject of this previous post—seen as a viable and potential target. Yet the Turin giants are also aware of other issues, and it seems there may also be space for a fresh face in defence.

Just this past weekend, the Calciomercato.com website reported that Juventus may renew their interest in AC Milan defender Mattia De Sciglio, a player with whom the club has been linked on a number of occasions this season.

Indeed, back in January it was believed the two sides had discussed an exchange as Telelombardia (h/t Football Italia) suggested Milan met with their defender's representative to propose a deal that would see Juve's Martin Caceres arrive at the San Siro.

That story was supported to an extent by his agent Giovanni Branchini, who subsequently revealed in an interview with Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia) that "Mattia was very close to Juventus in January."

While it is difficult to see the full-back displacing any of Juve's starting XI, De Sciglio—who can cover both flanks—would offer versatility in the short term and could eventually supplant Stephan Lichtsteiner on the right.

Five years on from his first-team bow in Milan, he has proved to be a useful member of the back four, while his time with Antonio Conte's Italy highlights an ability to play in the 3-5-2 formation.

De Sciglio has often struggled with injury but boasts the speed and physicality needed to hold off opponents, while also having experience of the UEFA Champions League after making 10 appearances in European football's elite competition.

The 23-year-old has played in a total of 98 games for the Rossoneri, during which he has shown an ability to contribute to the attack when necessary, although he struggles to cross the ball well if deployed on the left.

According to WhoScored.com, De Sciglio has connected with an average of 40.6 passes per game over his young career, connecting with 81.2 percent of those attempts. Furthermore, figures courtesy of Squawka show he has created 12 chances in his 17 Serie A outings this term. 

The same source also highlights a 50 percent success rate in taking on opponents, but it is as a defender where De Sciglio truly excels. WhoScored shows he has averaged an impressive 1.7 tackles, 2.2 interceptions and 2.5 clearances per game in 2015/16, while winning 1.4 aerial duels per game.

He has seemingly fallen out of favour with Milan boss Sinisa Mihajlovic but is a firm favourite of Massimiliano Allegri, admitting back in 2014 that he owes the coach a great deal after he gave him his Rossoneri debut three years earlier.

"Compared to the other players I played with in the youth system, I was able to make the leap straight from the youth team to the first team without going out on loan," De Sciglio told Corriere della Sera (h/t Football Italia). "I have to thank Allegri, who helped me to grow and gave me an opportunity to show what I can do."

It would appear the admiration is mutual, and a reunion could well be on the cards. De Sciglio clearly possesses all the attributes required of a modern full-back, and his relationship with Allegri may soon benefit the Old Lady.