Hugo Viana enters Premier League royal rumble for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu | OneFootball

Manchester City are competing with a multitude of other suitors, including Newcastle United, for the signature of Juventus and France defender Pierre Kalulu, as per reports.

If recent speculation is to be true, Manchester City could lose some crucial defensive assets in the upcoming summer window, as the futures of John Stones and Nathan Ake appear uncertain at this juncture.

The defensive duo have been pivotal in previous campaigns for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City but there may very well be a changing of the guard on the horizon as the next cohort of talented young defenders seems to be at the forefront of attention at the Etihad Stadium.

Stones and Ake have experienced their fair share of injury woes in recent seasons. The former’s contract is set to expire this summer whilst his Dutch compatriot is under contract until 2027. City have been handed dilemma in filling a rather sizeable hole in their squad depth if they were to lose either of the veteran defenders this summer.

However, Hugo Viana and Manchester City may already be preparing for the possibility of their departures as, according to Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale on X, the Blues are set to compete with Newcastle United to recruit 25-year-old centre-back Pierre Kalulu this summer, as relayed by Sport Witness.

The Frenchman joined I Bianconeri on loan with an option to buy from rivals AC Milan in August 2024. The Turin side then made his move permanent the following year after a stellar campaign.

Kalulu’s impressive displays have not gone unnoticed and have caught the eye of many top European sides, particularly those in the Premier League.

In late 2025, Sport Witness relayed previous reports that the central defender is valued at €30 million. Last week, the outlet covered claims that both Manchester United and Liverpool were interested in signing the Frenchman.

Di Natale supports these claims and reports that both the Red Devils and Arne Slot’s side have serious interest in the Juventus number 15, adding that Manchester City and Newcastle United are also in the race and have sent scouts to observe Kalulu on several occasions.

Manchester City and Newcastle United are likely to face stiff competition for the former AC Milan man but the Magpies may have a slight advantage.

This advantage stems from an interview with Calciomercato – as relayed by Sport Witness – earlier this year, wherein Kalulu cited his close relationship with Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. He was questioned about this topic at the time due to Juventus’ interest in the midfielder.

Kalulu said: “Sandro (Tonali) is a friend, we won a Scudetto together and I’m very close to him. He’s certainly a strong player but we’re on two different teams now. I wish him the best but today, I’m happy with the teammates I play with. Then, we’ll see.”

The Magpies could take advantage of this relationship to gain an edge over potential rivals in negotiations for Kalulu’s signature, using the opportunity to deploy Kalulu alongside Tonali to incentivise the France international to make the switch to St. James’ Park.

Kalulu is contracted with Luciano Spalletti’s side until the summer of 2029 so it is likely that the Serie A outfit would demand a high fee regardless of the 25-year-old’s destination.

However, there is supposition that Juventus could push for his exit in order to raise funds, particularly if they fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League – as they currently sit sixth in the Italian top-flight, trailing Como by a point.

In recent weeks, Italian sources have been pushing the player out to market so the theory of the Old Lady being keen to sell the defender may be true, with a move elsewhere likely on the horizon.

Kalulu is represented by CAA Stellar, a vastly experienced and well-connected agency who have a plethora of clients in the English top-flight and are well-placed to facilitate a move to Manchester City or Newcastle United.

It remains to be seen what the defender’s future holds but it is abundantly clear that if Manchester City wish to bring him to the Etihad Stadium, they will have to endure a fierce contest with many Premier League and European rivals.