Juventus target Luis Suarez travelled to Italy immediately after training with Barcelona on Thursday as he undergoes a language exam to attempt to secure his Italian citizenship, Goal can confirm.
The Serie A champions are keen on signing the Uruguay international, although having reached their maximum quota of foreign players for the 2020-21 season they need Suarez to obtain an Italian passport in order to sign him.
Reported on September 6 that Suarez – who arrived at Perugia airport on Thursday afternoon – had already agreed a three-year contract worth €10 million (£9m/$12m) per season with the Turin club.
Suarez’s contract with Barca is due to expire in 2021, and sources in Spain have told Goal that the reason for the delay over a decision being made about his future is due to his contract demands, with the resolution of the passport issue seen as being a formality.
The former Liverpool striker wants to be allowed to leave for free and receive his full salary, of around €14m (£13m/$17m), for the 2020-21 season – a similar request that was granted to club legends Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
Barca are willing to allow Suarez to be released from his contract but they are not, as things stand, in agreement over paying the 33-year-old his full annual salary.