Journalist: Juventus in Atletico talks with Manchester United defender on list | OneFootball

Juventus Face Nico Gonzalez Stand-Off as Atletico Madrid Talks Progress

Relations between Nico Gonzalez, Igor Tudor and Juventus have taken a sharp downturn and the future of the Argentine forward looks increasingly likely to be played out away from Turin. According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Gonzalez has been adamant that he does not wish to operate as a wing-back, a role Tudor has tried to fit him into, and he is pressing for a move to Atletico Madrid.

The story, which has gathered momentum over the past ten days, now looks set to reach a conclusion as the transfer window edges closer to its final days. Juventus find themselves in a delicate situation, balancing player dissatisfaction, squad reshaping and the challenges of the late summer market.

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Atletico Madrid Talks and Juventus Demands

The prospect of a straight swap deal involving Gonzalez and Atletico’s Nahuel Molina has been a persistent theme. Juventus general manager Damien Comolli has been exploring that option, as Molina is considered one of Tudor’s favourite targets. However, as Gazzetta Dello Sport report, “the barter remains on the table, but it is reported to be increasingly uphill because the former Udinese full-back would not want to leave Madrid on the siren at the end of the transfer market and in the season that will lead to the World Cup in the United States.”

That hesitation on Molina’s side places Juventus in a difficult position. With the market closing imminently, the Italian club must weigh up the benefits of holding out for their first choice against moving swiftly to secure an alternative. Gonzalez’s stance is clear and firm: he wants a move to work under Diego Simeone in Madrid.

Meanwhile, Juventus have been examining other possibilities. Gonzalez may yet leave on a loan deal structured with an obligation to buy in 2026, which would help protect Juventus financially. As Gazzetta Dello Sport point out, “for Nico not excluded a priori is a loan with an option or obligation to buy in 2026, a sort of Douglas Luiz repeat to avoid capital losses in the accounts.”

Mazraoui Emerges as a Priority Target

As hopes of signing Molina fade, Juventus are now seriously considering Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui. The Moroccan defender, who came through Ajax’s academy and holds a Dutch passport, fits both the tactical needs of Tudor and the club’s administrative requirements, as Juventus only have one remaining non-EU slot following Jonathan David’s arrival.

Mazraoui, currently sidelined but expected to return to training next week, has become a realistic loan option. His ability to operate in both defensive and attacking phases appeals strongly to Tudor, who has already been experimenting with Pierre Kalulu in a hybrid wide role.

Juventus are also tracking Girona’s Arnau Martinez and Lille’s Edon Zhegrova. The latter has emerged as an intriguing possibility given his contract expires next summer. “The Kosovan winger has been on Juventus’ radar for days and could become such an inviting opportunity that it prompts a late change in strategy,” reported Gazzetta Dello Sport.

Comolli’s Balancing Act

Comolli’s role in this window has been one of firefighting and opportunity spotting. Juventus recently sanctioned Nicolò Savona’s move to Nottingham Forest, generating valuable funds, yet the Gonzalez saga has created fresh uncertainty. With Atletico needing to sell Javi Galan before pushing for Gonzalez, time pressure is mounting.

Despite the tension, the relationship between Juventus and Atletico remains positive. Those channels of communication could prove crucial as both sides seek to find a workable formula. Juventus are clear they do not want to give Gonzalez away cheaply, yet they also cannot afford to let an unsettled player undermine Tudor’s plans for the season.

Wider Implications for Juventus

This episode encapsulates Juventus’ broader challenges. Tudor is only just beginning to shape his team and already has to manage discontent. Tactical adjustments, such as using Kalulu in unconventional roles, highlight the manager’s adaptability, but they also reveal the squad’s lack of balance. The pursuit of Mazraoui or Martinez is not only about replacing Gonzalez, but about giving Tudor the tools to play with flexibility and consistency across a long campaign.

Juventus’ season opener against Parma hinted at the need for reinforcements and the Genoa match will provide further clarity. What is evident is that the final hours of this transfer window will have significant consequences, not just for Gonzalez but for the identity of Juventus under Tudor.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, the mention of Noussair Mazraoui heading to Juventus immediately draws attention. While he has not yet established himself as a fixture at Old Trafford, the idea of loaning him out raises questions about depth and squad management under Ruben Amorim. With United’s fixture list demanding rotation and reliability, losing a versatile full-back, even temporarily, could look like short-termism.

At the same time, there is a certain logic to the deal. If Juventus can take on Mazraoui’s minutes while he regains fitness, it allows United to recalibrate their defensive structure. Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka still cover the right, and Luke Shaw’s return adds more balance on the left. Yet supporters would rightly ask whether letting Mazraoui leave risks exposing the squad to further injury disruptions.

The Gonzalez situation is another thread United fans will follow closely. Atletico Madrid pursuing the Argentine might indirectly affect the Premier League if United, Juventus or another English side decide to react in the market. Supporters will also view Comolli’s negotiations as a sign of Juventus’ pragmatism. United fans, however, may be left questioning whether letting Mazraoui depart could eventually strengthen a continental rival while weakening their own options.