Parma’s Young Defender Catches Juventus’ Attention
Juventus scouts were reportedly impressed by Parma’s young center-back Giovanni Leoni during their recent Serie A match. The 18-year-old defender managed to effectively contain Juventus’ attacking threats, playing a crucial role in Parma’s 1-0 victory.
Parma’s €8 million investment in Leoni last season, which included €5 million upfront and €3 million in add-ons, is already proving to be a shrewd move. The club had to fend off interest from several Serie A teams to secure his signature.
Since the arrival of manager Christian Chivu, Leoni has cemented his place in the starting lineup. He has consistently delivered strong performances, demonstrating his ability to handle top-tier forwards such as Moise Kean, Dusan Vlahovic, and Randal Kolo Muani.
Juventus Interest Grows, But So Does Leoni’s Price Tag
According to reports from Calciomercato.com, Juventus had already been monitoring Leoni’s progress. His standout performance against the Bianconeri has only reinforced Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli’s belief that Leoni could be the ideal candidate to rejuvenate Juventus’ defense next summer.
However, Parma is reportedly prepared to increase Leoni’s valuation significantly. The club is now asking for at least triple their initial investment. If Parma manages to secure their Serie A status and Leoni continues to impress in the remaining fixtures, even a €15 million offer might not be sufficient to secure his services.
Tuttosport reports that Inter Milan is also keeping a close eye on the Italian prospect. Additionally, Leoni’s recent form has attracted interest from several Premier League and La Liga clubs, further complicating Juventus’ pursuit of the talented defender.