Juventus are set to prioritize the acquisition of Italian players this summer to comply with UEFA’s regulations regarding homegrown talent in Champions League squads, according to reports in Italy. The club must ensure a minimum of eight players in their 25-man squad are ‘locally formed’ – four developed within Juventus’ youth system and four from other Italian clubs, having spent a minimum of three years between the ages of 15 and 21 in Italy.
This requirement stems from UEFA’s ‘armocromatiche’ rules, designed to promote the development of domestic players. Failure to meet the quota would limit the number of players Juventus can register for the Champions League. This season, Juventus were permitted to register 23 players in their squad A, having met the criteria with players such as Fabio Miretti, Mattia Pinsoglio, Mattia Perin, Manuel Locatelli, and Andrea Cambiaso.
With several current squad members, including goalkeepers, potentially departing, manager Luciano Spalletti has identified several Italian targets. Juventus have made initial inquiries about Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini, a player Spalletti is familiar with from his time as Italy’s national team coach. Scalvini’s versatility, capable of playing in both three and four-man defenses, is highly valued, but Atalanta are seeking a fee in the range of €40-45 million.
Another defensive target is Michael Kayode of Brentford, a former Juventus youth player. The club has also explored a potential move for midfielder Tommaso Frattesi. Brentford value Kayode at around €30 million, a figure currently considered prohibitive by Juventus. To fund these potential acquisitions, Juventus may need to generate revenue through player sales, specifically Tarik Muharemovic of Sassuolo, in whom the club holds a 50% sell-on clause, and Federico Gatti. If Muharemovic is sold for the reported €35 million, Juventus would receive €17.5 million. Gatti, who is reportedly open to a move to the Premier League, has attracted interest from Everton, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Fulham, with Juventus seeking around €25 million for the defender. A sale of Gatti would not impact Juventus’ ability to meet the UEFA homegrown quota, as he does not meet the required criteria. The club are hoping to navigate these potential transfers to address both technical and bureaucratic needs, adding quality and ensuring compliance with UEFA regulations.
