The faltering Serie A
giants have been thinking of cashing in on the 32-year-old and use
the funds to help revitalise the side.
Manchester City, United and Arsenal were earmarked as possible
destinations, with the Gunners believed to be most willing to
submit an offer.
Hitting the buffers: Juventus' Italian goalkeeper
Gianluigi Buffon
But with changes in the boardroom and a new coach coming in at
Juve, there has been a change of heart in Turin.
Luigi Del Neri, who has left Sampdoria to take the reins at the
Stadio Olimpico, said: 'I want to convince Buffon to stay. He is
like Del Piero, who also must remain, a symbol of this club.
Incoming: Juve's next boss - Luigi Del
Neri
'For a club like Juve, we need to make major targets. I will be
strict with the players, but also with myself.'
Buffon's agent has also tried to brush off reports linking his
player with the exit, despite the keeper readily admitting he would
be keen on a move to England if his time with the Old Lady had come
to a natural end.
Silvano Martina, the representative, said: 'I want to remind
everyone that Buffon is under contract with Juve and that next
season he will play at Juve.
'When he was asked hypothetically where he would want to play if
he left Juve, he always said his first choice would be England, but
there is nothing else. He never said he would leave.
'Del Neri is an intelligent coach and knows he can count on
Buffon.'
