Manchester United Face £34.5m Demand for Juventus Defender Kalulu as Red Devils Eye Serie A Raid

Manchester United have received their asking price for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu after the club's scouts made repeated visits to monitor the French international during the tail end of Serie A's campaign.

The 25-year-old, who joined Juventus on loan from AC Milan in summer 2024 before securing a permanent €14.3m switch a year later, proved instrumental for the Turin outfit this season. He featured in every game bar the 2-0 reverse to Como in February and the second half of a 3-2 defeat to Inter Milan, where he received his marching orders for two bookable offences.

The defensive lapses proved costly, with Como ultimately pipping Juventus to Champions League qualification by a two-point margin. Beyond those fixtures, the Old Lady's campaign stabilised considerably, surrendering just five additional defeats across the remainder of the season—a testament to Kalulu's defensive credentials.

The versatile defender, who has operated across centre-back, right-back, and right wing-back this term, has attracted the Red Devils' attention. Juventus, however, are demanding around €40m (£34.5m) for his services this summer, according to reports, though the Serie A side would consider parting with him among eight preferred sales as they navigate financial pressures following their Champions League exit.

Kalulu currently earns approximately €2.5m annually on a contract running until 2029. Juventus have tabled an improved offer of €3.5m per season with a proposed extension through 2030 plus an additional optional year. Manager Luciano Spalletti has publicly backed his continued presence, yet negotiations have stalled with the defender reportedly seeking €4m per annum.

The Frenchman has earned three caps for his country but failed to secure selection for the 2026 World Cup squad. Despite his international omission, United's scouting department has monitored him extensively and view him as a potential reinforcement.

Should the move materialise, Kalulu would become United's second summer arrival. The club have already agreed terms with Atalanta for midfielder Ederson, with the 26-year-old set to join on a four-year deal plus an optional extension. The fee stands at €40.5m fixed plus €4.5m in achievable add-ons, with the transfer expected to complete in early July pending medical formalities.

Juventus have identified multiple outgoings beyond Kalulu this summer, with Michele di Gregorio, Andrea Cambiaso, Teun Koopmeiners, Lois Openda, Federico Gatti, and Jonathan David all listed as potential departures. Centre-backs Bremer and Lloyd Kelly could also leave under 'extreme' circumstances as the club addresses their financial position.