Juventus Targets Kessié and Balogun: Serie A Giants Eye Dual Reinforcements

FolioPitch.com – 14 July 2026 | According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gazzetta Juventus prepare first offer for Kessié and target Balogun as the Bianconeri look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. The Serie A giants have been relatively quiet in the transfer market so far, with only one signing completed, but new sporting directors Giovanni Carnevali and Frederic Massara are working diligently to provide coach Luciano Spalletti with additional firepower.

The Gazzetta Juventus prepare first offer for Kessié and target Balogun narrative highlights the club’s dual approach: securing a proven midfielder on a free transfer while exploring a high-profile striker from Ligue 1. Franck Kessié, the former AC Milan and Atalanta star, has reportedly refused a contract extension with Saudi club Al-Ahli and is keen on a return to Serie A. Juventus are ready to submit a formal offer, but Kessié’s agent is demanding a signing bonus of over €5 million, a figure that may require negotiation.

Kessié, 29, would bring experience and physicality to Juventus’ midfield. His time at Milan saw him win the Scudetto, and he has also performed well at international level for Ivory Coast. The player’s availability as a free agent makes him an attractive option, though the agent’s fee could be a sticking point. Juventus are confident they can reach an agreement, as the player is said to be eager to return to Italy.

On the attacking front, Juventus have been linked with PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani for weeks, but talks have stalled due to PSG’s high asking price. The Bianconeri have threatened to walk away if the French club does not lower their demands. As a result, other options have emerged, and Gazzetta Juventus prepare first offer for Kessié and target Balogun now includes Folarin Balogun as a primary alternative.

Balogun, a United States international, currently plays for AS Monaco. He impressed during his loan spell at Reims in the 2022-23 season and has since become a key figure for Monaco. However, according to reports from The Athletic, Balogun is considering leaving Monaco this summer, with the French club reportedly setting an asking price of €50 million. That fee is comparable to what PSG want for Kolo Muani, but Juventus see Balogun as a younger, potentially more dynamic option.

Juventus are also monitoring other strikers, including Parma’s Mateo Pellegrino, but Balogun appears to be the primary target if the Kolo Muani deal falls through. The American striker offers pace, technical ability, and a clinical finish, attributes that would complement Juventus’ existing attacking options.

The club’s transfer strategy appears to be focused on adding quality without overspending. With Kessié available for free, the funds saved could be redirected toward a striker. This dual approach reflects the new directors’ commitment to building a competitive squad while maintaining financial prudence.

Fans are eager to see how the transfer window unfolds. Juventus have been linked with several players across Europe, but the Gazzetta Juventus prepare first offer for Kessié and target Balogun narrative indicates that concrete moves are imminent. If both deals materialize, the Bianconeri would significantly bolster their midfield and attack, addressing key areas of need.

In conclusion, Juventus are actively working on multiple fronts to improve their squad. The potential additions of Franck Kessié and Folarin Balogun would not only enhance the team’s quality but also demonstrate the club’s ambition to compete for top honors in Serie A and Europe. As negotiations progress, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the final makeup of Spalletti’s roster.