HAMBURG, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 15: Leonardo Balerdi of Marseille looks dejected following the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Knockout Round Play-offs First Leg match between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Olympique de Marseille at Volksparkstadion on February 15, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
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.
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.
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.
