Juventus have been forced to abandon their pursuit of Bernardo Silva, with the Portuguese playmaker now set for a move to La Liga. Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are battling for his signature, leaving the Bianconeri to reassess their options for the trequartista role. This setback, however, has not diminished the club's determination to strengthen the attacking midfield position. Instead, it has fast-tracked their interest in Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz, a player who ticks all the boxes for manager Luciano Spalletti.
Spalletti is planning to deploy a 4-2-3-1 system next season, and he has explicitly requested a player capable of operating between the lines—someone who can receive the ball under pressure, coolly distribute, and link play. Diaz, at 26, offers a blend of Serie A experience (from his successful loan at AC Milan) and the technical quality honed at Real Madrid. His ability to dribble in tight spaces, combined with his vision, makes him an ideal fit for a Juventus side that often struggled to break down deep-lying defences last term.
The Moroccan international's contract with Real Madrid runs until 2027, but his future at the Santiago Bernabéu is clouded by uncertainty. Real's presidential elections on June 7 could trigger a chain of events: Florentino Pérez faces a challenge from Enrique Riquelme, and the outcome may impact the club's transfer strategy and even the managerial situation, with José Mourinho's potential appointment currently on hold. Juventus are monitoring developments closely, aware that any shift in Madrid's hierarchy could open the door for Diaz's departure.
Diaz enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Milan, winning the Scudetto under Stefano Pioli, where he formed a strong understanding with Pierre Kalulu—now at Juventus. A reunion in Turin could ease his transition and resurrect a partnership that proved effective in Serie A. Juventus see Diaz not just as a stop-gap but as a long-term solution, someone who can alternate with Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceição in the attacking midfield and wing positions, adding fluidity to Spalletti's setup.
The financial and contractual complications are significant. Real Madrid hold the cards, and with the elections looming, any negotiation is effectively paused. Juventus have reportedly opened talks with the player's entourage, laying the groundwork for a move. Diaz is said to be open to a return to Italy, where he feels his style is best suited. The Bianconeri are prepared to wait, but they are also mindful that drawn-out sagas can derail a transfer window. The clock is ticking, and alternatives are being considered, though Diaz remains the absolute priority.
Beyond the number ten role, Juventus are also addressing long-standing issues at full-back. Spalletti wants a dynamic, attack-minded option—a player "in the mould of Dumfries," someone who can consistently provide width and deliver crosses. Two names have emerged as concrete targets: Alejandro Grimaldo and Óscar Mingueza. Grimaldo, 30, has been a standout for Bayer Leverkusen, proving his elite crossing and set-piece ability in the Bundesliga and Europe. His experience and attacking output make him an attractive option, especially on a potential free transfer.
Mingueza, who can operate as a right-back or center-back, has been on Juventus' radar since the winter window. Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli reportedly reopened discussions recently, and the player's versatility appeals to Spalletti. With Andrea Cambiaso already on the books but used in a more roaming role, a specialist like Grimaldo or Mingueza would give Juventus the natural width they have often lacked. Both players are out of contract soon (or available on favourable terms), making them financially viable in a summer where Juve must be strategic.
The pursuit of Diaz and the full-back targets reflects a broader strategy: raising the overall technical level of the squad. Juventus' management—and Spalletti—are adamant that any new signing must elevate the team's ceiling. Missing out on a marquee name like Bernardo Silva stings, but the reaction has been swift and focused. Diaz, Grimaldo, and Mingueza represent prudent yet ambitious choices, each filling a specific tactical need while offering room for growth.
If Juventus land Diaz, they will be getting a player who has already proven decisive in Serie A. His 2021-22 campaign with Milan featured crucial goals and assists, and his Champions League experience with Real Madrid—albeit mostly from the bench—adds a layer of big-game readiness. The real question is timing: can Juve seal the deal before other clubs enter the fray? The summer window is long, but patience is a luxury the Bianconeri cannot afford after a season of transition.
For Spalletti, the addition of a true trequartista is the missing piece in his tactical puzzle. The 4-2-3-1 requires a creative fulcrum who can drift into pockets, combine with the striker, and provide the final pass. Yildiz and Conceição are talented but are more comfortable starting from wider positions; Diaz would give Spalletti the option to field a more orthodox playmaker when games demand precision in the final third. The coach's insistence on this profile underlines how crucial it is to his plans.
On the flanks, Grimaldo's attacking metrics speak for themselves: double-digit assists in the Bundesliga and a penchant for stunning free-kicks. Mingueza, meanwhile, has blossomed at Celta Vigo, showcasing his ability to carry the ball out of defence and join the attack. Either would provide the thrust that Cambiaso, for all his versatility, cannot consistently offer as a touchline-hugging full-back. The competition for these spots will ideally push everyone to higher standards.
Juventus fans have grown accustomed to waiting for marquee signings, only for deals to collapse. This time, the hierarchy appears to have learned its lesson: the club is moving on multiple fronts, with clear priorities and contingency plans. The Bernardo Silva dream may be over, but the Brahim Diaz project is very much alive—and it could define Juventus' ambitions in Serie A and Europe next season.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
