In a significant turn of events in the transfer market, Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has shifted focus towards signing Pierre Kalulu from AC Milan after an extended pursuit of Jean-Clair Todibo fell through. The 24-year-old French defender, who also caught the attention of Atalanta, has emerged as a top target for the Turin club.
In a matter of hours, Giuntoli reached a preliminary agreement with both Kalulu and Milan’s CEO, Giorgio Furlani. While final details are still being sorted out, the deal looks set to be completed soon. This could be just the beginning of a busy transfer window for Juventus, as past exchanges between these two clubs hint at further negotiations, possibly even involving Federico Chiesa.
Giuntoli urgently wants to bolster coach Thiago Motta’s defensive options. The Bianconeri’s recent defeat to Atletico Madrid, along with the seven goals they conceded during preseason, has prompted the club to take swift action. Kalulu, who is versatile enough to play as both a center-back and a full-back, fits the bill perfectly to strengthen the squad.
The initial agreement stipulates that Juventus will pay €3.5 million upfront for Kalulu, with an additional €14 million required if they choose to make the transfer permanent. Unlike some previous negotiations, this deal will not include an obligation to buy or performance-based conditions—this is simply a right to buy. The remaining aspects, including bonuses of around €3 million and a future resale percentage, are still to be finalized, along with contract signings. Giuntoli is expected to hold more discussions with Furlani today.
Originally brought to Milan on a free transfer, Kalulu could represent a profitable sale for the Rossoneri. He is now waiting for the green light to travel to Turin for his medical examinations, with the hope of featuring in Juventus’s first league match against Como on Monday at Allianz Stadium.
While Kalulu prepares to join Juventus, there are discussions surrounding Chiesa, who has found himself somewhat on the fringes of the Bianconeri’s plans. The winger, whose contract runs until 2025, has not been included in recent matchday squads, leaving his future uncertain. Juventus has valued him at around €15 million and is open to selling him to direct rivals, although negotiations with Milan have not progressed due to salary disputes. Chiesa reportedly earns €5 million per year and is seeking a raise to over €6 million, which Milan considers too high.
In other transfer news, Weston McKennie has been floated in conversations between the clubs, as the American midfielder also finds himself out of Motta’s plans and has just a year left on his contract. Juventus would prefer not to lose him for free and are attempting to find a suitable destination, having proposed him to Milan, who are focusing on other targets for midfield.
Meanwhile, the Rossoneri may look to move Alexis Saelemaekers, who spent last season on loan at Bologna. Juventus, shifting their focus to other players for the winger role, seems to have a clear strategy but could face complications as the transfer window draws to a close.
Finally, Milan has recently handed the number 9 jersey to Luka Jovic, signaling their intention to keep the player, yet they remain on the lookout for a forward that suits manager Paulo Fonseca’s system. Names like Tammy Abraham and even Juventus’s Arkadiusz Milik could be considered, although the Bianconeri are unwilling to let Milik go as they would then lack sufficient cover for Dusan Vlahovic unless a compelling offer comes in.