Juventus updates: Can Motta inspire title charge? Plus the latest on transfer rumours from Turin

It was in 2021 that the appointment of a club legend and Juventus metronome, Andrea Pirlo, brought hopes and excitement about a continuation of the Old Lady’s dominance in the Italian top flight.

Unfortunately, things did not go to plan as the Nerazzuri were not just knocked out of the Champions League and Scudetto chase, but had one of the worst performances of any Nerazzuri side in the past decade.

In a distasteful run of events, the man who won the first three of nine consecutive Scudetto titles, ended it by winning the title with Inter Milan! Since then, the Nerazzuri have been battling to make a European spot, with poor performances and hierarchical fractions.

The appointment of Massimiliano Allegri did give a bit of hope, but the club began to falter towards the end of the season. The Italian manager still won the Coppa Italia, but the club’s performance in the season was not enough to guarantee him another spell at the touchline.

A new era is about to begin at the club with the appointment of Thiago Motta – one of the best young coaches on the continent – who achieved remarkable feats with Bologna last season but can he take Juventus back to the summit of Italian football?

Football Talk analyzes Thiago Motta’s forthcoming stint at the dugout in Turin and a roundup of the players linked to the team as they plan a shake-up in reinforcements for a possible title push next season.

37th Scudetto on the cards?

Motta arrives at a Juventus side that has been low in confidence, inconsistent in results and uncharacteristic in playing pattern. Fans with Juventus tickets could barely recognise their team anymore last season.

Having instilled an attractive style of play that offers offensive fluidity and defensive solidity, it is safe to say that the 41-year-old will spur Juventus back to the admirable side they were pre-Pirlo era.

Last season, the Brazilian-born Italian manager transformed a relegation-scampering team into a Champions League qualifying team. His style of play is heavily characterised by possession, eagerness to win back the ball and a high pressing ability. The Rossoblu were ranked first in Serie A for tackles, interceptions and duels according to data from Opta and their average of 58.2% possession per game was second in the league only behind behind Napoli according to a statistic from WhoScored.

This will bring hope and relief to the Nerazzuri faithful as the club will drift away from their archetypal defensive pattern to a more possession-centred pattern of play.

However, to bring this pattern into fruition, the club will need to bring in quality players capable enough to challenge the likes of Inter Milan and AC Milan for the title and possibly earn them a record-breaking 37th Scudetto.

Here is a roundup of players that have been linked with a move to Juventus in recent days:

Juventus keeping close tabs on Youssouf Fofana

According to reports, Juventus are keeping close tabs on Monaco, midfielder, Youssouf Fofana.

The France International has been ‘evaluated’ on numerous occasions in the past month by Juventus director, Cristiano Giuntoli, as per the report.

However, the report adds that the 25-year-old will not be a replacement for Adrien Rabiot, rather he’ll be an addition to the team to bolster the midfield ranks.

The report also adds that Fofana’s agent has been in Turin and an offer in the region of €20m (£16m) would be needed to make a swoop for the midfielder.

Juventus plot Alvaro Morata swap deal

As per TuttoJuve, Juventus are plotting a swap deal for Atletico Madrid centre-forward, Alvaro Morata with Moise Kean being offered to the Spanish club as part of the deal.

The Rojiblancos were keen on a move for Moise Kean in the winter transfer window but a move didn’t get through as Kean eventually got injured.

Recent reports from TuttoJuve suggest the Nerazzuri are willing to offer Kean in a swap deal to bring Morata back to Turin for his third stint at the club.

Juventus earmark Leon Goretzka for possible summer swoop

Juventus have earmarked Bayern Munich midfielder, Leon Goretzka for a possible switch to the club this summer, as per TuttoJuve.

Bayern recently confirmed the appointment of Vincent Kompany as head coach and the club are expected to carry out a shake-up to reinforce the squad which could see some incomings and outgoings.

One of the players rumoured to be part of the outgoings is Goretzka who is being courted by several European top clubs.

TuttoJuve reports that the Nerazzuri have indicated interest in the Germany International but will only make a swoop for him as an alternative option if they fail to land their priority targets.

Riccardo Calafiori chase faces hurdles

According to Italian journalist, Nicolò Shira, Juventus have an agreement in principle with Riccardo Calafiori for a 2.2m per year contract that runs until the summer of 2029.

The Italy international was an integral part of Thiago Motta’s Bologna side and played a pivotal role in Bologna’s impressive defensive record in the Serie A last season.

However, the Nerazzuri faces hurdles in completing a deal for the 22-year-old as Bologna are insisting on a €40m fee. This fee is believed to be high because of the sale-on clause in his contract where his former club, FC Basel are guaranteed 50% of the player’s sale, as per the report.

The renowned Italian journalist adds that the centre-back is also of keen interest to Chelsea, whose scouts were present in Italy’s Euro 2024 opener against Albania. He also adds that the Blues new head coach, Enzo Maresca is keen on Calafiori who prefers a move to Turin for a reunion with his former coach.

Michele Di Gregorio completes move to Turin

Juventus have completed and confirmed the signing of Michele Di Gregorio from AC Monza on a €20m (£16m) package, as per Fabrizio Romano.

The 26-year-old was voted the best goalkeeper in Serie A after a stellar season with Monza where he kept 14 clean sheets and conceded just 35 goals in 33 matches last season.

Romano has now confirmed that the Italian shot-stopper has completed a move to Turin as the first signing of Thiago Motta’s era in an €18m (£15m) fixed fee and €2m in add-ons.

Juventus step up Douglas Luiz deal

According to renowned transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, Juventus’ deal with Aston Villa for Douglas Luiz is at the ‘final stages’.

The transfer will be part of a swap deal that will see Weston McKennie and Samuel Illing-Junior move to Villa Park while Douglas Luiz will arrive at the Allianz Stadium as part of reinforcements for Motta’s first full season at the club.

Romano further adds that McKennie is set to complete details of his departure with Juventus while Illing-Junior has already held discussions with Aston Villa’s head coach, Unai Emery and a ‘green light’ is expected for a deal to be sealed.

Both clubs have agreed to the deal and are currently working on the final steps for the transfer of the players, as per the report.