Juventus Identify Slovakian Duo as Key Defensive Targets | OneFootball

Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is determined to strengthen Thiago Motta’s defensive options in January. According to Gazzetta dello Sport via Calciomercato, David Hancko and Milan Skriniar top the senior executive’s shortlist ahead of the winter transfer window.

After losing Gleison Bremer to a season-ending injury, Juventus suffered another setback on the brink of November’s international break. Juan Cabal, who rejected Inter to continue his career in Turin during the summer, slumped to a knee problem and could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Therefore, Juventus must address this emergency in January. Skriniar has long been on the club’s radar. Frustrated with a lack of first-team opportunities at Paris Saint-Germain, the 29-year-old is desperate to leave the Parc des Princes after less than two years.

Juventus are willing to offer him an escape route from France. However, Giuntoli will unlikely splash out a fortune on the ex-Inter captain after his noticeable decline in Ligue 1. Skriniar would only join the Bianconeri on a cut-price deal.

Meanwhile, Hancko is a far more exciting profile. The 26-year-old, who spent three years at Fiorentina between 2018 and 2021, has enjoyed a rise to prominence at Feyenoord. He has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Eredivisie, drawing attention from Juventus chief Giuntoli.

But Hancko won’t come cheap. Juventus may have to allocate up to €30 million to lure the Slovakia international back to Serie A. That could prove a prohibitive price for the Italian giants following a free-spending summer.