Juventus Transfer Boost As Chiesa Alternative Would ‘Run’ To Join Spalletti
Daniel Maldini is keen on a switch to Juve.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 14 January 2026
Daniel Maldini is reportedly keen on a prospective move to Juventus if a deal for Federico Chiesa proves too difficult this month.
Speculation linking Juventus and Chiesa has been rampant in recent weeks, but things aren’t progressing all that smoothly.
While the Bianconeri have been trying to sign him on loan, Liverpool favour a permanent sale.
This has forced Juve to look at other options who could strengthen the attack without costing as much up front.
Why Juventus see Daniel Maldini as suitable Federico Chiesa alternative
Daniel Maldini, currently at Atalanta, has now been mentioned as one of the names rising on Juve’s shortlist.
Gazzetta dello Sport recently described him as a “Plan B” option, with Juventus monitoring him while talks for Chiesa remain complicated.
Calciomercato has now provided an update, claiming Maldini is so keen on Juventus that he would “run” to them.
Maldini can operate as a second striker or an attacking midfielder, and he is comfortable receiving the ball in tight areas.
As 24 years of age, he has the right blend of Serie A experience and room to grow further.
Maldini has a Scudetto to his name from his time at Milan and also has six caps for Italy.
What happens next and how a deal with Juventus could work
Atalanta are now willing to move Maldini on after signing Giacomo Raspadori from under Roma’s noses.
Better still, La Dea are reportedly happy to negotiate a loan deal with option to buy, something out of reach with Chiesa.
Salary-wise, the son of Italy legend Paolo is on just over €1m a year, which is relatively affordable for Juve.
This is what a dynasty looks like…
Cesare Maldini:
1954–55 🏆
1956–57 🏆
1958–59 🏆
1961–62 🏆Paolo Maldini:
1987–88 🏆
1991–92 🏆
1992–93 🏆
1993–94 🏆
1995–96 🏆
1998–99 🏆
2003–04 🏆Daniel Maldini:
2021-22 🏆 pic.twitter.com/nSAomHOI6m— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 23, 2022
Juventus would hope negotiations are simpler, because he is a Serie A player and there is no Premier League club dictating strict terms.
However, Atalanta will know that Juve are prioritising Chiesa, and they may not want to wait too long.
Should Atalanta receive more concrete offers for Maldini from other clubs, Juve risk missing out.
Luciano Spalletti’s Daniel Maldini seal of approval
When he was Italy coach, Luciano Spalletti lauded Daniel Maldini.
“Maldini? It’s quite easy to explain why I brought him here,” Spalletti said after calling him up. “He was the player we were missing.
“He has a beautiful and charming style of play, plus he has physicality and quality. He sometimes misses the game, but now he’s playing consistently.”
This bodes well for the prospect of the two reuniting in the famous black and white stripes of La Vecchia Signora.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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