Juventus And AC Milan Plotting Sensational Defender Swap

Juventus and AC Milan are weighing up a surprise defender swap, according to reports.

Massimiliano Allegri Wants Federico Gatti

Milan are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements next month, and Massimiliano Allegri has identified Federico Gatti as a target. However, a deal would likely prove difficult.

Gatti, 27, has established himself as a crucial performer in Turin and performed reliably so far this season. He also signed a new contract running until 2030 – with a significant pay rise – in May.

Unsurprisingly, Juventus view him as an important player in Luciano Spalletti’s dressing room, both on and off the pitch. As such, they have no plans to allow him to leave, especially midway through the campaign.

But Milan are set to test this stance. Allegri is known to rate Gatti, whom he coached during his own stint with the Old Lady, very highly, believing he would help to improve his backline.

An ideal scenario for both parties, then, would be a potential swap deal.

Juventus Interested In AC Milan defender Koni De Winter

Juventus are reportedly keen on centre-back Koni de Winter, despite his questionable form. They are known to have closely monitored the 23-year-old, meaning Milan’s admiration of Gatti could lead to a simple swap.

According to Tuttomercato, the proposal would satisfy both clubs financially and in sporting terms, but any deal would have to be structured carefully.

It is not known whether Spalletti would be open to adding De Winter to his ranks, but Juve are said to have tracked him since his spell at Genoa.

Milan only signed the Belgian international in August after agreeing a €20million deal. Juventus, his former club between 2021 and 2024, received around 20 per cent after selling him to Genoa.

Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth had also been in the race for his signature, but Milan snapped him up after selling Malick Thiaw to Newcastle United.

Offer Rebuffed But Talks Ongoing

According to journalist Daniele Longo, Milan have already contacted Juventus over a swoop for Gatti. A loan with an option to buy was tabled before being immediately rejected.

Gatti is no longer viewed as unsellable, but the Bianconeri would only entertain eye-catching offers in January.

Negotiations are believed to be at an early stage and could advance over the coming weeks, with the defender swap one mooted option.

Recent reports suggested that Milan were open to including midfielder Samuele Ricci in negotiations, but Matteo Moretto denied these rumours. He did, confirm, however, that Allegri is keen on signing Gatti.

Providing an update on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, Moretto said: “We will see if the situation changes in the coming weeks, but the only clarity is that Milan want a defender.”