Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali has reportedly held direct talks with Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi regarding potential moves for two Spurs players, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The discussions centred on goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and forward Richarlison, as the Bianconeri look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
Carnevali, formerly the CEO of Sassuolo, was the man who appointed De Zerbi to his first Serie A job at the Mapei Stadium in 2018, and the two share a strong working relationship from their three years together at the Emilia-Romagna club. That connection is now being leveraged as Juventus explore the market.
Juventus seek reinforcements
Juventus have been active in the transfer market, and the arrival of Carnevali as a director has seen them tap into his extensive network of contacts. The Bianconeri are in the market for a new goalkeeper after a season of inconsistency between the sticks, and Vicario is seen as a reliable option. The Italian international has established himself as one of the Premier League's top shot-stoppers since joining Tottenham from Empoli.
Richarlison, meanwhile, offers a different profile in attack. The Brazilian forward has had an up-and-down spell at Tottenham, but his versatility and work rate appeal to Juventus. With De Zerbi at the helm, Spurs might be willing to listen to offers for certain players as the manager shapes his squad.
The Carnevali-De Zerbi connection
The relationship between Carnevali and De Zerbi is key. At Sassuolo, they built a team that punched above its weight with attacking football. Now at Juventus, Carnevali appears to be using that link to gain an edge in negotiations. However, there is no indication yet that formal offers have been made. The talks are described as exploratory.
Tottenham are unlikely to part with key players easily, particularly Vicario, who has been a consistent performer. Richarlison could be more attainable if the right bid arrives, given his fluctuating form and the presence of other attacking options in North London.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Carnevali's personal touch can help Juventus secure one or both of De Zerbi's players, but for now the dialogue remains open.
