Juventus Transfer Market: One Sale Finalized, Now the Focus Shifts to Midfield
It’s been a busy few days for Juventus’s transfer team, who need to finalize the roster for Luciano Spalletti. The Bianconeri are very active on both the incoming and outgoing fronts: another departure will be finalized in the coming hours.
Juan Cabal is set to join Bologna. The Emilia-Romagna-based club has reached an agreement with Juventus for a one-year loan deal for the Colombian defender. The two clubs, already in contact following the successful conclusion of the Lucumí deal, are expected to announce shortly the transfer of the player whom Luciano Spalletti rejected during preseason.
On the incoming front, rumors from the last few hours are focused primarily on the arrival of a new world-class midfielder. The profile is clear: he must have experience and quality. The first name mentioned is Franck Kessié. The Ivorian midfielder, currently a free agent, is reported to have reached a preliminary agreement with Juventus and is ready to return to Italy: talks are of a three-year deal worth 4.5 million euros per season, with a signing bonus. Kessié now seems set on the move, as evidenced by his refusal of Al-Ahli’s latest attempt to keep him in Saudi Arabia for another season.
Only one piece is missing before the transfer to Turin: the club must free up space on its roster. Among the possible departures are Arthur, Teun Koopmeiners, and Fabio Miretti. The main alternatives to Kessié are Pierre-Emile Højbjerg of Marseille—who has just turned down an offer from the Premier League—and Marcelo Brozovic, currently a free agent following the end of his stint at Al-Nassr.
Beşiktaş, which has already signed Dusan Vlahovic, is reportedly targeting both Arthur and Fabio Miretti. Beşiktaş coach Vincenzo Italiano, who previously worked with Arthur during his time at Fiorentina, is said to be enthusiastic about the prospect of reuniting with the Brazilian midfielder. As for Miretti, however, competition is fierce even in Italy: Fiorentina, Bologna, and Cagliari have initiated contact with Juventus’ management, with the main sticking point being the terms of the deal. Juventus would prefer a permanent transfer, while the suitors are pushing for a loan with an option to buy.
Brozovic can’t wait to return to Europe and still feels competitive at the highest level. A key factor in evaluating his candidacy is the relationship the midfielder, born in 1992, has with Spalletti, who previously coached him during his time with Inter.
