“Spalletti has chosen him to sign”

The deck of cards is spread across the desk, and each card carries the name and figures of the midfielders Juventus are considering as potential reinforcements for the current squad.

Among the most visible ones is Franck Kessié, the former AC Milan midfielder who has recently ended his spell with Al Ahli and has already sent several signals of appreciation towards the Bianconeri.

According to Tuttosport, Juventus have a strong interest in the Ivorian midfielder, but the main issue remains financial. Kessié is reportedly asking for a salary higher than €5 million net per season on a three-year contract, while Juventus’ proposal is lower.

The situation is further complicated by the possibility of a significant signing bonus, a common demand in free-agent deals that reduces the advantage of not having to pay a transfer fee.

A similar situation concerns Leon Goretzka, whose potential arrival would be even more expensive. The German midfielder, also approaching the end of his contract, is said to have requested a €10 million signing bonus and a salary of around €7 million per season.

Goretzka believes he deserves such treatment thanks to his outstanding career, his experience at the highest level and his years as a key player for Bayern Munich.

However, Juventus have doubts about making such a major investment, especially considering that the midfielder’s age and the physical demands of his career have affected his explosiveness and consistency.

Brahim Díaz remains Spalletti’s dream target

From a sporting perspective, the balance appears to lean more towards Kessié, who also impressed during the recent World Cup with Ivory Coast.

His physical strength, international experience and familiarity with Serie A make him an attractive option for the Juventus project.

Away from the free-agent market, Juventus are also monitoring players such as Stanislav Lobotka and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

The Slovak midfielder is well known to Luciano Spalletti from their time together at Napoli and has a €25 million release clause valid only for foreign clubs.

Both operations would be complicated, with Napoli unlikely to make negotiations easy, although the Italian club’s interest in Federico Gatti could potentially create opportunities for a possible deal between the two sides.

However, the card placed in the most prominent position on Juventus’ table belongs to Brahim Díaz. The Real Madrid midfielder is reportedly Luciano Spalletti’s main target and the player who most excites the new Juventus coach from a tactical point of view.

The biggest obstacle is the player’s own desire. Brahim Díaz currently has no intention of leaving Spain, despite not being among the first names in Real Madrid’s hierarchy.

The competition for places at the club is extremely high, but Juventus believe the Spanish playmaker could become a decisive addition.

The Bianconeri may also have an important advantage: the good relationship between sporting director Frederic Massara and Brahim Díaz, after Massara was the man who brought him to AC Milan.

Juventus are willing to wait and see how the situation develops, especially after Brahim returns from the World Cup and discussions with José Mourinho take place regarding his future.

For now, the top card in Juventus’ midfield deck has a clear name written on it: Brahim Díaz.

About The Author

Forza Juventus

See author's posts