Como are reportedly pursuing Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi as they continue to bolster their defensive options, according to sources in Italy. Initial attempts to sign Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea have stalled due to disagreements over achievable bonus clauses, leading the club to explore alternative targets.
The 28-year-old Lucumi is currently with Bologna, where his contract recently saw a release clause of €28 million expire on July 15th. This means Como will now need to negotiate directly with Bologna to secure his signature. However, they face competition from Juventus, who are also interested in the Colombian international and are believed to be Lucumi’s preferred destination.
Bologna’s sporting director, Claudio Fenucci, has indicated a willingness to allow Lucumi to leave if a suitable offer is received, fulfilling a promise made to the player a year ago. Despite this, Bologna are not expected to offer a discount on his valuation. Lucumi featured regularly for Bologna last season, contributing to a solid defensive record.
Como have already strengthened their defense with the arrival of Brazilian left-back Kaiki. The potential addition of Yan Couto from Borussia Dortmund would represent a significant overhaul of a backline that was the least breached in Serie A last season. Como manager Cesc Fàbregas has emphasized the need to further elevate the quality of the defense if the club is to compete for Champions League qualification.
Alongside the pursuit of Lucumi, Como are also working on a loan deal with an option to buy for Borussia Dortmund’s Yan Couto, though this is contingent on the fitness of Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson, who recently suffered an injury. The club is also considering options to reinforce their attacking line, with Alessandro Gabrielloni’s future uncertain despite scoring in a recent friendly against Paris FC. Como are currently participating in the Como Cup, a pre-season tournament featuring several European clubs.
