Transfer Centre

Leandro Paredes opens up on Juventus, Real Madrid talk

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 12 April 2018

Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Leandro Paredes hopes that he will be given the chance to join Real Madrid or Juventus in this summer's transfer window.

Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Leandro Paredes is hopeful that he will be given the chance to join Real Madrid or Juventus in this summer's transfer window.

Paredes moved to Zenit from Roma ahead of the 2017-18 campaign, and the 23-year-old has scored five times and registered eight assists in 33 appearances for the Russian club.

Madrid and Juventus have both been credited with an interest, and the Argentina international is eyeing a move to either Madrid or Turin after the 2018 World Cup.

"You know, I have many friends in Turin, but right now I have to concentrate on Zenit and then we'll see - you never know what can happen at the end of the season," Paredes told RMC Sport.

"For me, knowing there is the interest of two clubs like Juventus and Real Madrid, it is important. But I try to deal with these transfer rumours with serenity. I try not to be distracted. After the World Cup I will make the decision, but choosing between Juventus and Real Madrid is not easy, it would be a difficult choice for me.

"I would rather have both proposals on the table first and then choose. Meanwhile, I have to think about working and doing well otherwise I run the risk of losing the interest of these two great clubs. I am young and I have to think well about the choice I will make. Going to Madrid with all the champions – I'm not afraid, I would be ready for the challenge.

"But there are also many other factors that I have to evaluate and to think about before making the final decision. Family has nothing to do with it. They only want the best for me, so it's a personal choice."

Paredes scored on his international debut for Argentina last June.