Juventus continue to intensify their search for reinforcements on the flanks, aiming to deliver Luciano Spalletti a quality addition before the transfer window closes. According to Tuttosport, the battle between Juventus and Roma may soon extend beyond the Serie A table and spill into the transfer market, as the Bianconeri set their sights on Zeki Çelik.
The Turkish full-back, whose contract with Roma expires in June, has become an increasingly attractive target for the Turin club. Juventus have already made initial contacts, a move that has complicated Roma’s attempts to secure a renewal. The Giallorossi’s offer of a three-year deal worth €2.8 million per season was turned down by the former Lille defender, who reportedly received interest from Juventus with a higher proposal — around €3 million per season plus bonuses, running until 2029 with an option for 2030.
At Trigoria, the rejection has raised eyebrows, as Çelik remains a cornerstone of Gian Piero Gasperini’s setup. There is growing suspicion in Rome that Juve’s approach was decisive in the player’s hesitation to renew. Interestingly, Juventus CEO Damien Comolli had once tried to sign Çelik during his spell at Fenerbahçe before Lille won that particular race — fate might now bring them together in Turin.
Deal Stalls for Norton-Cuffy
While the Çelik operation gathers pace, talks for another long-standing Juventus target — Brooke Norton-Cuffy — have hit a standstill. Genoa have opened the door to selling the English wing-back, but only for a fee of €20 million, a figure currently beyond Juventus’ reach.
The Bianconeri have attempted to negotiate a loan with an obligation to buy, conditional on a Champions League qualification. Genoa, however, would only agree to a paid loan worth around €5 million, a formula that Juve consider excessive. The pause in talks has allowed Inter to move ahead in the race, especially after abandoning their pursuit of Ivan Perisic, with PSV Eindhoven unwilling to release the Croatian this winter.
Other Right-Back Options: Assignon, Sildillia, and Holm
Juventus are also weighing up other profiles for the right flank, including Lorenz Assignon, Killian Sildillia, and Emil Holm. Assignon, who was linked with Roma two summers ago, has struggled for minutes at Stuttgart and could be available on loan until the end of the season. Head coach Sebastian Hoeness would only agree to a deal that safeguards the club’s investment, given the player arrived from Rennes last summer.
Sildillia, meanwhile, is a more defensive option. The Frenchman has been splitting his time between full-back and centre-back roles at PSV, while Holm remains an intriguing alternative with Serie A experience.
Although all three come at manageable prices, Juventus see them primarily as short-term reinforcements, pending bigger summer moves for players nearing contract ends — such as Oscar Mingueza — or emerging talents like Juanlu Sánchez.
Outgoings
On the exit front, hours could be decisive for Pedro Felipe. The young defender is close to completing a loan move to Sassuolo, with Juventus expected to give the green light as early as today.
