With Spalletti inheriting a lightweight squad, the former Italy head coach is chasing a midfielder capable of being employed in a regista role to tackle the Champions League and Serie A.
Although the Bianconeri have compiled a shortlist of midfielders, they have a top priority signing that has been on their radar for a consideration time and are considering offering a fan favorite as a audacious swap deal next month.
Inter Milan's Davide Frattesi, Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka and RB Leipzig ace Xaver Schlager are on Juve's summer wanted list. Yet Olympique Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is the player that Juventus are aiming to lure during the winter transfer window.
Serie A star Frattesi was touted as a straight swap deal for France international Khephren Thuram, but Juve director Giorgio Chiellini has shot down that potential exchange. The Nerazzurri star's sister is dating the Weston McKennie, who is currently favored by Spalletti, which could potentially help to persuade Frattesi to switch clubs.
Goretzka's contract with the German giants expires in June, and being a free agent next summer makes him an attractive proposition to the Bianconeri.
Schlager, who pundits in Germany have frequently compared to the iconic Bastian Schweinsteiger, is the latest newcomer on Juve's wishlist.
Juve look to offload skipper
While Juventus captain Manuel Locatell, a popular figure since arriving in Turin four years ago, seems to have slipped down the pecking order in recent weeks.
Spalletti, who sensationally dropped Locatelli for the 2024 European Championships, publicly expressed how impressed he was by the midfielder. Yet a couple of weeks ago became fiercely critical of his skipper.
The pair appear to not see eye-to-eye, with Spalletti upset by the slow tempo in the middle and unconvinced by his distribution. Juventus could be open to inviting Marseille to a swap deal involving Locatelli and Hojbjerg.
Locatelli was responsible for securing Champions League soccer this term, by finishing in Serie A't top four, after slotting home the winner from the penalty spot in the five-goal thriller at Venezia in the last game of last season.
He was initially handed the captain’s armband under former boss Thiago Motta, and remained skipper under wily tactician Spalletti.
Juventus seek Locatelli upgrade
Defensive midfielder Hojbjerg is perceived as an upgrade for Italy international Locatelli, and is shining in Ligue 1 this season.
Juventus have had the Dane on their radar for years, but missed out to Marseille. Hojbjerg joined the French outfit on a season-long loan, only joining them on a permanent basis last July.
The former Bayern Munich ace is not up for grabs, with ex-Juve managerial targer Roberto De Zerbi getting the best out of Hojbjerg as a regista. The soccer term of regista, which originated in the 1930s, refers to a midfielder who influences matches though their command of space, timing and vision.
Therefore, Juventus are certainly facing an uphill task, so they have to adjourn their plans to the summer, when they might stand a better chance at landing the Danish international, or turn their attention to a fallback option, who can boost the club’s hopes of clinching a Champions League spot at the end of the season.