Juventus are turning their attention not only to the attack but also to the midfield as the club prepares for a busy summer transfer window aimed at strengthening the squad for Luciano Spalletti, who is on the verge of signing a contract extension. Among the new names catching the eye of the Bianconeri hierarchy is Ismaël Koné, the 23-year-old midfielder making waves at Sassuolo.
The player, of Ivorian and Canadian descent, has been one of the bright sparks for the Neroverdi this season. A versatile all-round midfielder capable of operating in multiple central roles, Koné combines technical quality with pace and endurance. So far this campaign, he has made 27 appearances for Sassuolo, racking up 2,177 minutes on the pitch and scoring five goals. His stock is set to rise further in the coming months as he prepares to represent Canada at the World Cup under head coach Jesse Marsch.
Sassuolo’s Stance and Market Valuation
Sassuolo’s investment in Koné is already paying off handsomely. The club initially signed him on loan with an obligation to buy from Marseille for a total fee of around €12 million, finalising the permanent transfer ahead of schedule in January. With interest building across Europe, the Emilia-Romagna side are reportedly setting a starting price of €25–30 million for the summer, anticipating a competitive auction once the window opens.
Juventus Observing Closely
An emissary from Juventus was present at the Mapei Stadium last weekend to watch Koné in action, signalling the Bianconeri’s intent to follow his progress closely in the final stretch of the season. The relationship between the two clubs remains cordial, which could facilitate future negotiations should Juventus decide to move forward with an offer.
Growing Interest Across Serie A
Koné’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed elsewhere in Italy. Inter and Roma are also understood to have been monitoring the midfielder’s development for some time. As Juventus continue to evaluate their options in midfield—with an emphasis on youth, energy and dynamic profiles—Koné has emerged as a potential key target in their summer rebuild.
