Aston Villa have joined the race for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu alongside Liverpool and Manchester United.
- The French centre-back has attracted strong scouting reports from multiple Premier League clubs
- Juventus insist they “do not intend to sell” and are preparing a new contract until 2030
- Sources suggest the Italian club would consider selling for around €40m if Kalulu rejects the new deal
- A Morgan Rogers sale could provide Villa with the financial firepower to make a serious move
The transfer landscape – Three Premier League giants circle
Pierre Kalulu has become one of Serie A’s most coveted defensive talents and his performances for Juventus this season have attracted attention from the very top of English football. Liverpool have been monitoring the French centre-back closely as one of their primary defensive targets. Manchester United are equally interested, with defensive reinforcement a stated priority for the summer window. Aston Villa have now joined both in tracking the 25-year-old, adding a third Premier League suitor to what is becoming one of the summer’s most compelling stories.
The Frenchman’s profile aligns precisely with what Emery demands from a centre-back. Technically accomplished, positionally intelligent, and capable of operating as part of a high defensive line: Kalulu would represent an outstanding addition to a backline preparing for Champions League football. His form under Thiago Motta at the Allianz Stadium has been consistently impressive throughout the campaign.
Juventus’ position – “Do not intend to sell”
The fundamental obstacle facing every interested club is Juventus’ own determination to retain Kalulu. Sources close to the Italian giants insist the club view the defender as “central” to their long-term project.
Furthermore, the Bianconeri are understood to be preparing a new contract running until 2030 with a salary increase to approximately €3.5m net per season plus bonuses.
That contract offer serves a dual purpose, securing Kalulu’s future in Turin while simultaneously protecting his market value against external approaches.
That position is firm. But it is not entirely immovable. Sources from within the agents industry suggest Juventus would consider selling for the right price, perhaps around €40m, particularly if Kalulu declines the new contract. That specific scenario is not yet confirmed.
However, it represents the pathway through which any Premier League club would need to operate to have any realistic chance of securing his signature.
Villa’s financial challenge. Rogers could be the key
For Aston Villa, the financial dimension of any Kalulu pursuit is the most pressing concern. The club’s ongoing PSR pressures and UEFA financial restrictions make a €40m investment challenging without a significant corresponding sale.
However, the growing certainty surrounding Morgan Rogers’ departure this summer changes that calculation considerably.
A Rogers sale generating £80m or above would provide Emery’s recruitment team with the financial flexibility required to compete with Liverpool and Manchester United for Kalulu’s signature. Without it, the pursuit feels aspirational rather than concrete. With it, Villa become a genuinely credible contender in a three-way race for one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders.
Liverpool and United lead but Villa are watching
There is no clear frontrunner yet. Liverpool and United both have specific and urgent defensive needs driving their interest. Villa’s need is equally real, with Victor Lindelöf ageing and Tyrone Mings approaching the end of his current role. Kalulu at €40m, funded by Rogers’ sale, would represent one of the boldest and most exciting pieces of recruitment in the club’s modern history.
Juventus want to keep him. The Premier League wants to take him. The outcome will depend on one player’s contract decision. Watch this space.
