Juventus deny deal to buy Anelka

Juventus have denied a double deal exists with SS Lazio to sign French striker Nicolas Anelka.

The two clubs were linked yesterday by Italian reporters to pay half of the £22 million transfer and then Lazio to have the 20 year old player for two seasons before a move to Turin to complete a four year contract worth £14 million in wages.

The Turin club broke off talks with Arsenal two weeks ago to sign the striker while SS Lazio agreed a £22 million fee with Arsenal to sign Anelka in the early hours of yesterday. The move to Lazio is still on going and the Rome club expect the Anelka to sign before the end of today on a four year deal. Arsenal have already stated that a failure to complete a transfer today will end any deal with Lazio or any other club but the London outfit are desperate to off load Anelka after 152 days of transfer confusion and rumour and want to sign Thierry Henry from Juventus before the deadline for Champions League registration in mid August.