Juventus are reportedly on the verge of completing their first signing of the summer, securing a deal for Monza goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. The Bianconeri have been following the 26-year-old for several seasons and reports now suggest that they are close to agreeing a move ahead of the transfer window.
Tuttosport report that Juve director Cristiano Giuntoli’s swift maneuver in Milan on Wednesday evening allowed Juventus to gain the upper hand in the race for the Monza keeper. Despite an offer from Newcastle in January, which included a lucrative contract and a substantial transfer fee, Di Gregorio opted to stay in Italy, prioritizing family considerations over a potential move abroad. With his preference to remain in Italy, Serie A giants swiftly expressed their interest. Milan showed concrete interest in February, while Juventus entered the fray more aggressively.
Inter Milan, holding a 10% sell-on clause from Di Gregorio’s previous transfer, also flirted with the idea of bringing him back to their ranks. However, the financial demands outweighed their interest, prompting them to step back from negotiations.
Giuntoli’s appreciation for Di Gregorio, dating back to his time at Pordenone in Serie B, fueled Juventus’s determination to secure the deal swiftly. Monza initially demanded €20 million but may settle for €15 million plus bonuses or the inclusion of a player in the deal. Mattia Perin’s name has surfaced as a potential inclusion, as he seeks regular playing time away from Juventus.
Di Gregorio’s imminent arrival signals the end of Wojciech Szczesny’s tenure at Juventus, with the Polish goalkeeper’s contract expiring in 2025. Di Gregorio is seen as both a short-term investment and a long-term successor to Szczesny, mirroring the transition from Gianluigi Buffon to Szczesny in 2018.
Carlo Alberto Belloni, Di Gregorio’s agent, has played a pivotal role in his client’s rise, adopting a patient and strategic approach to his career development. Di Gregorio’s journey from Serie C to the brink of Juventus’s goal represents a testament to his talent and the astute guidance of his agent.
