With recently installed Juve boss Luciano Spalletti having seen his side concede once in both matches, he is understandably eager to strengthen his defence.
He has a strong interest in acquiring Manchester City’s Nathan Ake, and also Bologna’s Columbian center-back Jhon Lucumi. Their respective clubs will not be placing their aces onto January’s transfer list, although will be open to any lucrative offers.
Lucumi is under contract with Bologna until June 2027, with the club on the brink of offering him a two-year contract extension and improved salary to sweeten the deal.
Negotiations recently kicked off and have been put on hold until next month, which has alerted both Juventus and Sunderland for a winter swoop.
Juve's defensive frailties
Spalletti inherited a lightweight squad at Juventus, with the leaky defense among his priorities. Igor Tudor never managed to smooth out their backline vulnerabilities, even though Thiago Motta built his squad around a solid back four.
Long-term injuries to Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal, two pivotal defenders who are currently sidelined because of injury, will mean that Spalletti can evaluate his defensive alternatives.
Juventus were previously linked with Lucumi while Sunderland’s saw a summer bid of €21 million (US$32.3m) turned down. Both clubs have renewed their serious interest to secure his signature during the next transfer window.
Although Juve have alternatives to 27-year-old Lucumi, the fact that many signings from outside Italy have been flops, makes Lucumi’s experience in Serie A an attractive proposition.
Lucumi arrived in Italy following a €9m (US$10.4m) deal from Belgium Pro League club KRC Genk in August 2022. With over 100 appearances for Bologna, his leadership qualities and fearless tackling skills have got the Colombian star noticed in Serie A.
Lucumi lifted Coppa Italia
The modern ball-playing center-back with aerial presence enjoyed a standout campaign last term for Bologna boss Vincento Italiano. Lucumi was part of the successful side that lifted the Coppa Italia and secured a Europa League return.
AFC Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Galatasaray and West Ham United all showed interest in Lucumi last summer, but failed to table an offer.
Bologna could expect to receive a figure around €25m (US$28.8m) for the 32-capped Colombia international. They will surely prefer Lucumi to move overseas than join Juventus, a rival Serie A side.
Spalletti seeks stability in defense, and because of the two-week international break will have time to tweak tactics and establish the roles for his squad members.
A new solid identity at Juventus, something that was never apparent under Tudor, is expected soon to tackle both Serie A and the Champions League.