Juventus’ pursuit of two centre-backs is getting crowded, with both Sunderland and Inter now muscling in on Jhon Lucumí and Tarik Muharemovic.
The Bianconeri have long been working on deals for Bologna’s Lucumí, who carries a €28 million release clause valid until mid-July, and Sassuolo’s Muharemovic, on whom Juventus hold a 50% sell-on.
Sunderland and Inter threaten Juventus move for Lucumí and Muharemovic
Sunderland, back in European competition for the first time in over half a century after finishing seventh in the Premier League, are reportedly armed with a budget north of €100m.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Black Cats could comfortably cover Lucumí’s clause and Sassuolo’s €40m asking price for Muharemovic, as well as the wages, including the €3-4m a year that stalled the Bosnian’s talks with Juventus. The Bosnian international is Sunderland’s priority, with the Colombian an alternative.
Inter have entered the picture too.
Having lost Acerbi, De Vrij and Darmian, Cristian Chivu’s side need a defender, and Tuttosport report they have launched a move for Lucumí, a pointed dig at their rivals, with Muharemovic also a long-standing Inter target.
Yet the scenario need not spell disaster for Juventus. Should Sunderland sign Muharemovic, Giovanni Carnevali would bank around €20m from the sell-on to reinvest in Lucumí; if they turn to the Colombian instead, the Bianconeri could be left with a clear run at Muharemovic.
