An eternal rivalry between leading Serie A duo Inter and Juventus stretches beyond the football pitch. Both sides have identified Lille defender Tiago Djalo as a potential transfer target for next summer.
While the initial intention of both teams was to pursue Djalo’s signature at the end of 2023/24, the tide has changed. As per TMW, Juventus have overtaken Inter in the race to sign the Portuguese rearguard as they plot a winter move for the soon-to-be-out-of-contract Lille ace.
Inter had the upper hand on Juventus last summer. Nerazzurri established contact with the player’s representatives during their quest to reinforce Simone Inzaghi’s defensive options. However, after landing Benjamin Pavard in a big-money transfer, their interest has subsided.
While they still view Djalo as a decent acquisition, they’re willing to sign him on a free transfer. On the other hand, Juventus see the 23-year-old as a cost-effective signing and are ready to launch a formal bid to take him to the Allianz Stadium in January.
Unlike Inter, Juventus are ready to put forward a compensation fee. That effectively propels them past Inzaghi’s side in the race. The reason behind Bianconeri’s decision to accelerate their long-standing interest in Djalo is a substantial injury crisis at the back.
Juventus captain Danilo and his long-standing partner Alex Sandro have endured an injury-hit start to 2023/24. Even though his defense remains rock-solid even without the two long-serving stalwarts, Massimiliano Allegri has already sanctioned Djalo’s arrival.
It’s now up to Juventus to get a deal over the line.
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