Juventus sporting director Giovanni Carnevali has firmly dismissed speculation connecting the Turin giants with moves for Brahim Diaz, Franck Kessie and Theo Hernandez, insisting the high-profile trio do not fit their current financial framework. The newly-appointed director instead confirmed that pursuing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez remains a live objective, though any significant progress must wait until the Argentina international concludes his World Cup campaign.
Big-name targets ruled out
Speaking to Sport Mediaset, Carnevali rejected recent media claims that Juventus were attempting to lure Real Madrid midfielder Diaz, AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez, and free agent Kessie back to Serie A. He stressed that there was “no truth to them,” explaining that although all three possess significant quality, their salary demands and market values exceed what the Bianconeri can currently accommodate.
Diaz has been enjoying an increasingly prominent role at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Theo Hernandez remains a cornerstone of the Milan defence. Kessie, formerly of Barcelona and AC Milan, is currently without a club but still commands a salary package reflective of his status as an established international.
The club endured a traumatic 2023-24 campaign, finishing sixth in Serie A and consequently missing out on Champions League qualification. This failure delivered a severe blow to their finances, forcing a recalibration of transfer strategy. Carnevali emphasised that this economic reality shapes every recruitment decision, noting that even Kessie—available without a transfer fee—would require considerable outlay in agent commissions and wages that Juventus cannot presently justify.
Martinez pursuit on hold
While ruling out those expensive alternatives, Carnevali confirmed that Juventus maintain genuine interest in signing Martinez from Aston Villa. Reports indicate the Argentina number one is enthusiastic about the move following presentations outlining the club’s sporting project, but negotiating an acceptable transfer fee with the Premier League side has proven difficult.
Martinez has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable goalkeepers since joining Villa, and his performances for Argentina have only enhanced his reputation. Villa are understandably reluctant to lose their first-choice keeper without securing a substantial replacement fee.
Carnevali acknowledged that concrete developments regarding Martinez remain impossible while the goalkeeper focuses on international duty. Argentina are preparing for a World Cup quarter-final against Switzerland this weekend, meaning discussions cannot advance until the tournament concludes. The director stressed that Juventus must remain patient and avoid “frenetic” activity in a volatile market, stating that the situation changes daily.
Measured rebuilding
The comments signal a shift towards pragmatic, financially sustainable recruitment rather than blockbuster signings. With several negotiations ongoing across different positions, the club intends to take a careful approach to squad construction. Carnevali warned supporters not to believe every media rumour linking Juventus with returning stars, underlining that the priority is building a competitive team within strict budgetary limits imposed by their Europa League status.