Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has identified Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka as a key target to strengthen his midfield ahead of the upcoming season, according to reports from Milan. Spalletti believes Lobotka’s arrival would allow him to utilize Manuel Locatelli in a more advanced role, freeing him from deep-lying playmaking duties.
The pursuit of Lobotka stems from Spalletti’s desire to add greater quality and control to the Juventus midfield. He previously communicated this need to former Juventus CEO Damien Comolli in the spring and continues to emphasize it to the current CEO, Giovanni Carnevali. Spalletti is seeking a regista capable of dictating tempo and a dynamic playmaker to unlock opposing defenses.
Spalletti and Lobotka previously enjoyed a successful partnership at Napoli during the 2022-2023 season, culminating in a Serie A title victory. The manager is hoping to replicate that success in Turin, having found success with the Slovakian midfielder previously. He sees Lobotka as a specialist who understands his tactical approach and can implement it effectively.
However, acquiring Lobotka will not be straightforward. While his contract with Napoli runs until 2027, a release clause of €25 million exists, but it is only valid for foreign clubs. Juventus would need to negotiate directly with Napoli, and the Neapolitan club is likely to demand a fee of around €30 million. Furthermore, Lobotka’s stance on a potential move has become less clear following the arrival of Massimiliano Allegri as Napoli’s manager, potentially opening the door for a contract extension.
Juventus’s priorities extend beyond Lobotka, with the club also actively pursuing a new goalkeeper – reportedly targeting Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham and Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa – and a forward, including monitoring Dusan Vlahovic, Randal Kolo Muani, and Alexander Sorloth. The club also needs to trim its squad before making significant investments, indicating a cautious approach to the transfer window.
