Manchester United target Pierre Kalulu as Juventus contract talks complicate £35m move

Manchester United are eyeing a move for Juventus centre-back Pierre Kalulu this summer, with Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport reporting that the club could intervene as the Turin side attempts to tie the French defender down to a new deal.

Kalulu, 24, joined Juventus on loan from AC Milan in 2024 before the club triggered a reported £12 million purchase option last summer. He has since established himself as a key figure in Juventus’ defence, capable of playing both centre-back and right-back, and is now valued at approximately £35 million.

Juventus are reportedly offering Kalulu improved wages to extend his contract — currently set to run until 2029 — by at least a further year, with an option for a second. United, however, are said to have already sent scouts to the San Siro to watch Kalulu in action during Juventus’ clash with AC Milan, signalling serious interest.

Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be tracking the defender, but United’s return to the Champions League next season is seen as a significant advantage in any potential pursuit. Juventus, by contrast, failed to qualify for European football and parted ways with manager Massimiliano Allegri shortly after the season ended.

The reported interest in Kalulu forms part of a broader recruitment push under newly appointed permanent manager Michael Carrick. United have already agreed a £38 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson and are looking to further strengthen ahead of their Champions League comeback.

“As a football club, you want to keep moving forward,” Carrick said after the final game of the season. “There’s obviously work to do. It’s quite obvious, with certain players leaving, there’s a bit of work to do.”