Giuntoli: ‘Juventus expect positive news’ on Araujo and Kolo Muani | OneFootball

Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli hinted at ‘positive news over the next week’ on Ronald Araujo and Randal Kolo Muani, while Teun Koopmeiners is captain against Torino.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the Liveblog.

Although this is the Derby della Mole, the inevitable focus of this interview was the transfer window.

“The strategy is to reinforce the squad in defence and look around if there are any opportunities in other areas of the team,” Giuntoli told DAZN.

“We must respect many different parameters, both economic and technical, and it is difficult to get great players in January, so we need to have patience.”

Would it not be preferable for Juventus to seek a defender who is already familiar with Italian football rather than go abroad?

“In general, it might be better to bring in someone who already knows Serie A, but we also have to look around at what is available and there aren’t many alternatives in Italy.”

Juventus targeting Araujo and Kolo Muani

Randal Kolo Muani of France warms up prior to the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between France and Israel at on November 14, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

Giuntoli was asked specifically about Barcelona defender Araujo and Paris Saint-Germain striker Kolo Muani, but as always, he remained tight-lipped.

“These are two good players, but the transfer window is only just opening and we hope to get some positive news over the next week.”

With Danilo frozen out as he negotiates the termination of his contract by mutual consent, Thiago Motta refused to say who he would choose to be the new Juventus captain.

The armband this evening goes to summer signing Teun Koopmeiners, a very interesting and potentially controversial choice considering he has only been at the club for a few months.

There is growing concern around Juventus after they amassed just four draws and a win over rock bottom Monza in the last five Serie A rounds, then fumbled a lead in the 2-1 Supercoppa Italiana semi-final defeat to Milan in Riyadh.

“Juve are always under the spotlight and every month feels decisive. We are aware that we started from scratch with a young squad, setting ourselves out onto a virtuous economic path, but trusting we can soon be competitive,” concluded Giuntoli.