Juventus eye Kessié as Serie A transfer buzz heats

The World Cup has begun in North America while Serie A clubs intensify transfer activity. Juventus, Napoli, Roma, Lazio and Fiorentina are among the teams shaping their squads. Franck Kessié rejected a renewal offer from Al Ahli worth €24 million over two seasons and is keen to return to Europe. Juventus remain interested but will wait for the club’s new management structure before committing. AC Milan’s priority is appointing a new technical director and head coach. Luca Bianchin reported that Ralf Rangnick, Oliver Glasner and Mauricio Pochettino are the leading candidates. Inter have made an initial approach for goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, a 2002‑born talent from Braga. Braga’s €30 million release clause and interest from Porto, Benfica and Leeds United complicate the move. Massimiliano Allegri has blocked any sale of Slovak midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, whose contract runs to 2027 with a €25 million release clause for foreign clubs. Giovanni Manna is working on extending the deal, effectively ruling out a transfer this window. Gianluca Di Marzio indicated that Roma’s preferred replacement for Evan Ndicka, should the defender leave, is Colombian centre‑back Jhon Lucumí of Bologna. No concrete negotiations have started, though Juventus also monitor the player. Al Sadd have agreed a three‑year contract with defender Alessio Romagnoli, reportedly worth €6 million per season plus bonuses. Lazio are scouting replacements such as Lautaro Rivero of River Plate, Fabio Chiarodia of Borussia Mönchengladbach, Dominguez of Dinamo Zagreb and Arnau Martinez of Girona. Fiorentina, under Fabio Grosso, are tracking French defensive midfielder Mohamadou Kanté, owned by West Ham United until 2031 and valued around €20 million. Marseille and Monaco have also expressed interest. As the World Cup progresses, Serie A clubs continue to negotiate, aiming to finalize squads before the domestic season resumes.