Juventus are encountering resistance in their attempt to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna, with the clubs significantly differing on a transfer fee. Bologna is holding firm on Lucumi’s release clause of €28 million, a figure Juventus has thus far been unwilling to meet, having offered approximately €10 million less. The Turin club intends to revisit negotiations closer to mid-July, but risk competition from other clubs, potentially from the Premier League, including Bournemouth, who may be willing to pay the full clause.
Lucumi is currently participating in the Copa America with Colombia, where he recently impressed in a match against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, further increasing his market value. Bologna is in no rush to sell, viewing the situation as an opportunity, particularly with the player’s enhanced profile during the tournament. Juventus, however, are seeking a left-footed centre-back, especially if Lloyd Kelly departs.
As a contingency plan, Juventus is exploring alternative options, with Tarik Muharemović of Sassuolo emerging as a leading candidate. Muharemović, a former Juventus youth player, is well-known to the club’s leadership and could be available for a fee between €10-15 million, with Juventus retaining a 50% stake in any future resale. Other potential targets include Kim Min-Jae of Bayern Munich, John Stones, Leonardo Balerdi of Marseille, and a possible return for Radu Dragusin from Tottenham.
Further complicating matters, Fabio Miretti, who Bologna expressed interest in, is unlikely to move unless Juventus agrees to a loan with no obligation to buy, a condition Juventus is hesitant to accept. Villarreal has also been linked with Miretti, offering a more appealing destination for the player. Juventus is also considering offers for players such as Lloyd Kelly, with clubs like Newcastle and Nottingham Forest showing interest, and Federico Gatti, who may be of interest to Napoli. Michele Di Gregorio is also attracting attention, but prefers a move within Serie A, while Andrea Cambiaso and Khéphren Thuram are also potential departures.
