Juventus is reportedly targeting Facundo Balerdi, with coach Igor Tudor said to be particularly keen on the Olympique Marseille captain, according to Gazzetta. Potential technical counterparts for a swap deal include a Belgian player or Nico Gonzalez.
However, several obstacles stand in the way. Firstly, Balerdi is the captain of Olympique Marseille, where he is currently in his fifth season. Secondly, Marseille has just secured a highly desired spot in the upcoming Champions League, which strengthens their position. Thirdly, Inter Milan has already paid Marseille €25 million (including fixed fees and bonuses) for Luis Henrique, meaning the French club is under no financial pressure or obligation to sell any players. Despite these challenges, the report suggests a resolution is not impossible.
Juventus possesses wide players who could be suitable for the French side. Samuel Mbangula is highlighted as a particularly good fit for Olympique`s requirements. As a Belgian, he speaks French, facilitating integration into Ligue 1. He is also a young player with potential, aligning with Marseille`s profile, and his salary is very manageable. The report suggests that including a player as a technical counterpart could make Marseille`s stance less rigid and potentially circumvent the obstacles. Nico Gonzalez is also mentioned as another player who could serve as a potential bargaining chip.