Juventus agree personal terms with Lucumí as Bologna talks continue

Juventus have reached an agreement in principle with Jhon Lucumí, moving a step closer to landing the Bologna defender despite competition from England.

According to Tuttosport, Lucumí has kept Juventus at the top of his wishlist even after interest from Nottingham Forest and exploratory approaches from Chelsea and Manchester United.

The Colombian, impressed by the Bianconeri’s determination, has agreed personal terms, a five-year deal worth €2.5m a season plus bonuses, even though Forest could have offered him around €1m more net annually. For Lucumí, the appeal of a bigger club, European football and remaining in Serie A outweighed the extra money.

Bologna valuation the final hurdle for Juventus

The sticking point now lies with Bologna. Luciano Spalletti made the defender a priority after his commanding World Cup displays, not least keeping Cristiano Ronaldo quiet, and contacts with the Rossoblù are under way.

Bologna value Lucumí at a minimum of €25m following the expiry of his €28m release clause in mid-July, but with his contract down to its final 10 months, they cannot push the price too hard for fear of losing their leader for nothing next summer.

Juventus, whose opening €17m bid was rebuffed, are preparing a fresh approach and could offer compatriot Juan Cabal as a partial makeweight. With the player onside, there is quiet confidence in Turin that a deal can be done.