Juventus are reportedly considering a move for Cagliari midfielder Gianluca Gaetano, according to reports in Italy. The interest stems from manager Luciano Spalletti’s desire to add a creative midfielder to his squad.
Spalletti previously worked with Gaetano, giving the player his Serie A debut and recognizing his potential as a playmaker. He even adjusted Gaetano’s role from an attacking midfielder to a more defensive-minded regista during his time at Napoli, where Gaetano often served as understudy to Stanislav Lobotka during the 2022/23 Scudetto-winning season. Fabio Pisacane, Cagliari’s manager, further developed this tactical approach upon Gaetano’s arrival, leading to a significant increase in the player’s value.
The potential transfer is being discussed alongside negotiations between Juventus and Cagliari regarding the future of Vasilje Adzic, a 2006-born talent who has also attracted interest from Sassuolo, Parma, and Lecce. Both clubs are seeking the best possible outcome for the young player’s development. Adzic has been touted as a potential top player by the president of the Montenegrin Football Federation, Dejan Savicevic.
Spalletti had considered calling up Gaetano to the Italian national team for Euro 2024, but an injury prevented the move. With Roberto Mancini returning as Italy’s manager, Gaetano may again find himself in contention for a national team spot. Spalletti is known to favor players with strong technical ability, a quality Gaetano possesses. Napoli are currently unwilling to sell Lobotka to a direct competitor, further increasing Gaetano’s appeal to Juventus. The club is also monitoring Bologna defender John Lucumì, whose release clause of €28 million is proving attractive, though it is only valid until mid-July.
