Juventus are said to be highly active in the midfield market, with Bernardo Silva remaining the top target as the club look to strengthen their squad for the future. Reports suggest the Bianconeri are pushing hard for the Portuguese playmaker, while also tracking more physical options such as Franck Kessié and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa.
Bernardo Silva remains the priority
According to reports from Calciomercato, Juventus are the only club in Italy seriously in the running for Bernardo Silva, and their project is understood to be the one that most appeals to him in Serie A. Talks with his agent Jorge Mendes are said to be continuing, and optimism is growing over a possible breakthrough, despite interest from Major League Soccer, the Saudi Pro League and Barcelona.
The 31-year-old midfielder has reportedly taken a couple more weeks before deciding whether to give Juventus a positive answer. What is clear is that he will not consider offers below €8-9 million net per year. His contract with Manchester City expires at the end of the season, meaning he will be available on a free transfer at the end of June.
Kessié and Anguissa on the radar
Alongside Bernardo Silva’s technical quality and creativity, Juventus are also looking for a more powerful presence in midfield. In that sense, Franck Kessié has emerged as a strong candidate.
The Ivory Coast international, born in 1996 and formerly of Milan and Atalanta, currently earns €14 million net per year at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. Juventus directors are reportedly prepared to offer him just over a third of that figure, plus bonuses.
Anguissa is another name being closely monitored. The Cameroon international, born in 1995, has seen talks over a contract renewal with Napoli stall, leaving the door open to a potential move. Other options mentioned include Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka, while Xaver Schlager, Assan Ouedraogo and Ismael Koné have all slipped down the list.
Koopmeiners and other planning
Spalletti’s preferred option is said to be Ederson, but the Brazilian midfielder from Atalanta looks set for Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone. Meanwhile, Teun Koopmeiners is among the players who could leave Juventus, with the Dutchman valued at around €30 million.
