Juventus eye West Ham defender as alternative to Marseille’s Balerdi | OneFootball

Juventus are reportedly looking at making a move for West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd or Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, should the Bianconeri fail in their pursuit of number-one target Leonardo Balerdi.

It is not surprise that the Italian media is full of rumours linking Juventus with defenders – after the Bianconeri suffered a 5-2 Club World Cup defeat to English side Manchester City.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Nayef Aguerd of West Ham United warms up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 match between West Ham United and Sport-Club Freiburg at London Stadium on December 14, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Balerdi is considered to be the Old Lady’s top priority for the defensive market but Italian newspaper the Gazzetta dello Sport are now reporting that Aguerd and Araujo are also on Juventus’ radar.

The current state of Juventus defence

The reports note that if Juventus want to sign additional defenders, they may have to part ways with some first.

Lloyd Kelly and Daniele Rugani are top of the list of players to be sold, the reports claim, with Tiago Djalo also expected to be available for transfer.

PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 23: Mateo Pellegrino of parma during the Serie A match between Parma and Juventus at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 23, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Both Bremer and Juan Cabal are suffering ligament injuries and Nicolo Savona has also suffered a fresh injury.

Therefore, once the Bianconeri find a way to offload players like Kelly and Rugani, only then may reinforcements be enlisted.