Juventus are negotiating with Olympique Lyonnais over a move for Argentina international Nicolas Tagliafico, but the deal depends on Juan Cabal first agreeing to join Atalanta, according to multiple sources.
The Italian club are looking to add experience to their defence and have made it clear throughout the summer that Cabal does not feature in coach Luciano Spalletti’s plans.
Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia, Fabrizio Romano and other sources report that Juventus are in discussions with Olympique Lyonnais for Tagliafico, who celebrates his 34th birthday today.
Tagliafico would offer Juventus considerable versatility. The Argentina international can operate as a conventional left-back, play in a more advanced role or feature in central defence.
His contract with the French club is entering its final season, a situation that should make negotiations relatively straightforward. However, Juventus’ ability to complete the transfer is currently restricted by their squad situation.
The Bianconeri can only bring Tagliafico to Turin if they first find a solution for Cabal, who remains on their books and is not part of Spalletti’s plans.
Atalanta are discussing a possible move for the Colombian defender. The club have already considered several alternatives, but Cabal has rejected a number of loan proposals this summer, making an agreement difficult to reach.
Bologna and Besiktas have also registered an interest in the 25-year-old, although neither has been able to convince him to leave Juventus so far.
Cabal joined Juventus from Hellas Verona in 2024 in a deal worth €12.8m. Despite that investment, his future appears to lie away from the club, with Juventus seeking to move him on before finalising their plans for Tagliafico.
For Juventus, the negotiations therefore involve two linked pieces of business. They are working to secure a more experienced defensive option in Tagliafico, while Atalanta’s talks over Cabal could determine whether the Argentine can be added to their squad.
Tagliafico’s ability to cover several defensive positions is understood to be a key attraction for Juventus. His contract situation at Olympique Lyonnais also means the Italian club are pursuing a player whose current agreement has only one season remaining.
The immediate obstacle, however, is Cabal’s decision. Until the Colombian accepts a transfer, Juventus remain unable to complete the move for Tagliafico.
