Juventus chase Pellegrini after missing Celik to Roma, who reply with Thuram interest
Quick summary
Juventus are targeting Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini as a midfield reinforcement, while Roma are pushing for Nice's Khéphren Thuram. The interest follows Zeki Celik choosing Roma over Juventus.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAfter Juventus snatched Zeki Celik, the transfer battle with Roma is set to continue with an approach for free agent Lorenzo Pellegrini, but the Giallorossi could respond with Khephren Thuram.
Celik had seemed to be ready to sign a new contract at the Stadio Olimpico and it was all printed up to be signed when suddenly he turned around to join Juve instead.
He was a free agent, as his contract had expired on June 30, but it still came as a shock to Roma.
Juventus and Roma tussle on transfer market Zeki Celik joins Juventus (Source: Juventus) Now there are reports Juve’s raid isn’t over, as they also intend to convince midfielder Pellegrini to leave the Eternal City behind to join the Old Lady.
He too is a free agent with a contract that expired at the end of the season, but is negotiating for a new agreement.
Sport Mediaset claim that Roma aren’t taking this lying down and could respond with a bid for Juve midfielder Thuram, if they sell Manu Kone to Manchester United for €60m.
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What happened
Juventus have reportedly set their sights on Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini as they look to strengthen their midfield this summer. The move comes after Juventus missed out on Zeki Celik, who opted to join Roma instead. In a tit-for-tat transfer battle, Roma are now linked with a move for Khéphren Thuram from OGC Nice, the son of former France great Lilian Thuram. Both clubs appear to be engaged in a midfield arms race, with negotiations across multiple fronts.
Chance analysis
Pellegrini would give Juventus a creative, experienced Serie A midfielder familiar with Italian football's demands, addressing a long-standing need for a deep-lying playmaker. However, prying Roma's captain away is highly complex due to his status and contract. Roma targeting Thuram signals they are preparing contingency plans and may even be leveraging the Pellegrini link to secure a younger, high-upside replacement. This dual-track story could reshape both clubs' midfield compositions for the upcoming season.
If completed, Juventus gain a proven Serie A creator while Roma secure a young, athletic long-term midfield replacement, altering the competitive balance in Serie A.
Track Pellegrini and Thuram negotiations closely; a confirmed swap-style dynamic could materially change both Juventus and Roma's midfield quality for 2025-26.