Zenit St. Petersburg playmaker Leandro Paredes, a reported target for Real Madrid and Juventus, has said he will make a decision about his future after the World Cup.
Argentina international Paredes, who joined Zenit from Roma last summer, has been linked with both clubs in recent weeks.
The 23-year-old has scored three goals in 22 league appearances this season, 19 of them as a starter.
“For me to know that there is interest from Real Madrid and Juventus is something important,” Paredes told RMC Sport.
“But I try to take these transfer rumours with calmness, without being distracted. After the World Cup I will make a decision, but to choose between Juventus and Real Madrid is not easy.
“It would be a difficult decision for me. I would have to have both proposals on the table before deciding.
“Right now I just have to work and do well if I don’t want these two great clubs to lose their interest in me.”
Paredes, who began his career at Boca Juniors and is under contract at Zenit until 2021, believes he is ready to play for a top club.
“I am young and I have to think well about the choice I will make,” he said. “Going to Madrid, with all the champions they have in the squad, does not make me afraid. I would be ready for the challenge.
“But there are also other factors to take into account before making a final decision. I have a lot of friends in Turin, but at Madrid there are so many champions that it would be stimulating for a young player as I am.
“But right now I’m concentrating on the end of the season with Zenit and then we shall see — you never know what can happen at the end of the season.”
Adriana Garcia is a Valencia-based football writer who covers La Liga for ESPN FC.
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