Report: Serie A giants keen on move for Manchester City star | OneFootball

Juventus Eye Mateo Kovacic as Free Transfer Strategy Takes Shape

Credit to SportsMole for the original report outlining Juventus’ early plans for the summer 2027 transfer window. The Turin club are reportedly monitoring three potential free agents, with Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic described by Gazzetta dello Sport as the ‘most tempting’ option.

Kovacic’s situation immediately catches the eye. At 32, the Croatian carries Champions League pedigree, Serie A experience and the technical composure required to operate in demanding midfield roles. His Manchester City contract expires at the end of the campaign, with a renewal considered unlikely.

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Kovacic Opportunity Could Suit Juventus

Game time has become scarce following City’s huge midfield investment. Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez arrived for a combined fee of around £320m, leaving Kovacic with only two starts in all competitions, in the Community Shield and League Cup.

He reportedly stayed at the Etihad Stadium after receiving assurances of a “meaningful role”, yet that opportunity has not materialised. For Juventus, a free transfer could therefore represent smart business, provided wages and physical condition fit their plans.

Midfield Reinforcement Remains Priority

Juventus nearly signed Franck Kessie on a free transfer before the Ivory Coast international joined Atalanta. That pursuit underlines a continuing desire for greater midfield depth.

Kovacic offers press resistance, experience and an ability to progress possession through congested areas. Those qualities could appeal strongly to Luciano Spalletti. SportsMole reports that no formal discussions have yet taken place with the player’s representatives, so this remains an emerging transfer story rather than an advanced negotiation.

Tomori and Raum Expand Juventus Options

Fikayo Tomori is another intriguing name. The 28-year-old remained at AC Milan after being excluded from Ruben Amorim’s pre-season plans, although he has since returned to the squad without featuring. Juventus sporting director Frederic Massara knows him well, having helped take him from Chelsea to Milan in 2021.

Tomori could potentially replace Federico Gatti, whose representatives have reportedly indicated that he wants more first-team football.

RB Leipzig captain David Raum completes the trio. The 28-year-old left-back could still extend his Leipzig contract. Should he become available, Juventus may face competition from Manchester United, who reportedly regard him as a priority option under Michael Carrick.

Juventus are clearly planning early. Kovacic feels particularly logical because his experience, availability and technical profile align with an immediate midfield need. The decisive questions will concern salary, fitness and whether regular football remains his priority.

Our View – EPL Index

From a Juventus supporter’s perspective, this report should create real excitement. Kovacic on a free transfer has the feel of an opportunity worth exploring quickly. He knows Serie A, understands elite-level pressure and can still manipulate the ball in areas where Juventus need greater control.

There is also something appealing about the timing. After watching Kessie move elsewhere, supporters will want Juventus to be decisive when another experienced midfielder becomes available. Kovacic may be 32, yet a free transfer reduces the financial exposure and allows resources to be directed towards other positions.

Tomori would generate plenty of interest too. His Milan spell has stalled, though his pace, familiarity with Italian football and existing relationship with Massara make the link understandable. If Gatti wants more minutes elsewhere, Juventus need a replacement capable of settling immediately.

Raum feels like the most complicated pursuit because Leipzig may yet extend his contract and Manchester United are reportedly interested. His attacking quality from left-back would still be exciting.

For supporters, the encouraging element is the planning. Juventus appear to be identifying opportunities months ahead of the market opening. If even one of these players arrives on sensible terms, it could strengthen the squad without swallowing the transfer budget. Kovacic, in particular, looks like the name that could bring experience and composure straight into the heart of the team.

Source: Sports Mole