Juventus’ sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is making waves in the transfer market, with a recent trip to England sparking speculation about potential moves for the Turin giants. The visit to Manchester, following Juventus’ match against Aston Villa, was more than just a post-game excursion; it was a strategic mission to explore transfer possibilities with both Manchester City and Manchester United.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report how at the heart of Giuntoli’s agenda are two key players: Nicolò Fagioli and Douglas Luiz. Both midfielders are considered expendable for the January transfer window, and their potential sales could provide Juventus with substantial funds to reinvest in much-needed reinforcements, particularly in defense and attack.
The club’s defensive crisis has been exacerbated by season-ending ACL injuries to Bremer and Cabal, leaving manager Thiago Motta in dire need of backline support. Additionally, the prolonged absence of Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik, who is recovering from meniscus surgery, has left a void in the attacking department.
Juventus are eyeing a double swoop in the transfer market, targeting both a defender and a striker. However, the exact strategy may hinge on Milik’s recovery timeline, which is expected to be clearer by mid to late December. If Milik’s return is delayed, the club may prioritize securing two defensive additions instead.
Giuntoli’s efforts to offload Fagioli could potentially net Juventus between €20-25 million, funds that could be immediately redirected towards defensive reinforcements. The club has expressed interest in players like Skriniar and Antonio Silva to bolster their backline.
The situation with Douglas Luiz is more complex. Currently sidelined with an injury, Luiz has yet to fully convince the Juventus hierarchy of his worth. Given his hefty €50 million price tag, the club is looking for either a satisfactory offer or a potential swap deal to move him on.
One intriguing prospect that has caught Motta’s eye is Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee, a player he previously managed at Bologna. However, securing Zirkzee’s services is considered a challenging proposition at this stage.
