Manchester City have become the latest club to join Newcastle United and others in the chase for Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu. The Premier League duo could battle it out for his signature in the summer.
That’s what Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale is reporting.
He took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to cover the latest on the defender, with Manchester City and Newcastle United now in the mix.
The 25-year-old joined the Serie A side from AC Milan on loan with an option to buy in August 2024. The Turin club made his stay permanent the following year, after he starred for them.
Kalulu’s impressive performances for Juventus haven’t gone unnoticed, especially in the Premier League.
Growing interest in Kalulu
Three months ago, Sport Witness relayed news from Italy the centre-back is valued at €30m. Last week, we covered claims Manchester United and Liverpool are keen on signing him.
Di Natale backs it up and reports both the Red Devils and Arne Slot’s side have concrete interest in the France international. He adds Manchester City have entered the chase for the defender.
According to the journalist, Manchester City and Newcastle United have sent their scouts on several occasions to follow Kalulu closely.
Competition from Premier League
Manchester City and Newcastle United target Pierre Kalulu
Manchester City and Newcastle United target Pierre Kalulu
Pep Guardiola’s side and Newcastle United face tough competition from multiple clubs, but the Magpies may have an advantage.
Earlier this year, Kalulu talked about his close relationship with Magpies’ Sandro Tonali. At the time he was asked about the friendship given Juventus interest in the midfielder.
Kalulu said: “Sandro is a friend, we won a Scudetto together, and I’m very close to him.
“He’s certainly a strong player, but we’re on two different teams now: I wish him the best, but today I’m happy with the teammates I play with. Then… we’ll see.”
Eddie Howe’s side can turn that on its head. Rather than it being an advantage for Juventus to sign Tonali, Newcastle United can use the friendship to tempt Kalulu.
Our take: Summer transfer possible
Manchester City, Newcastle United and other English clubs believe it’s possible to take Kalulu away from Juventus.
The Old Lady could push for his exit, to raise funds, especially if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. Juventus are now sixth in the table, trailing fourth placed Como by a point.
In recent weeks, Italian sources have clearly been pushing the player out to market. Even if they’re not being explicit about it, Juventus are looking for a sale.
Kalulu has a contract until 2029 and is valued €28m by Transfermarkt. In the event of a sale, Juve would demand a figure higher than that.
The versatile defender is represented by CAA Stellar, who have many clients in the Premier League. An extremely experienced and well connected agency, they”re well placed to negotiate a move to Newcastle United or Manchester City.