Lloyd Kelly and Renato Veiga both arrived from the Premier League during the winter transfer window, with former Newcastle United ace Kelly yet to impress and Veiga only on loan from Chelsea.
Denmark U21 international Kristensen was a shining star when he tackled Napoli inside the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium last month. The 1-1 stalemate against the title-challengers was partly down to the 23-year-old’s ability to snuff out the danger from attacking trio Romelu Lukaku, David Neres and Matteo Politano.
.During the January window slot Udinese turned down a bid for their prized asset from Wolverhampton Wanderers, while AC Milan and Juventus made inquiries but were told hands off. That sort of response would no doubt have delighted Kristensen’s head coach Kosta Runjaic.
While the two Serie A sides would have to revisit a potential transfer for Kristensen during the summer if they still want to secure his signature, there’s been sudden interest from AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.
These two clubs have been surprise packages in the Premier League this term and, with European soccer within their grasp next season, are preparing to bolster their respective squads.
Stuttering Tottenham Hotspur and relegation-threatened Leicester City are also tracking Kristensen’s situation, although they would definitely not be able to offer Champions League soccer.
Center-back Kristensen is valued at €18 million (US$19.6m), a significant mark-up from the €5m (US$5.45m) that Udinese paid Danish outfit Aarhus in 2023.
Friulani boss Runjaic has utilised Kristensen in his favoured position, in a three-player line and as right-back when employing a 4-4-2 formation. He can also be pushed forward to help create attacks.
Kristensen’s aerial prowess, solid passing ability, physical presence and versatility would suit Juve manager Thiago Motta’s tactics.
Yet with Project Motta on thin ice, and already half-a-dozen potential replacements who could realistically improve the fortunes of the Bianconeri if given the nod, Kristensen may not be on the radar of a different Juventus head coach.