Comolli looks to fix Giuntoli mistake but hits same roadblock in Zhegrova chase

The Lille winger, already scouted by Cristiano Giuntoli, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Nico Gonzalez. However, any potential negotiation with the French club is expected to be preceded by the sale of Gonzalez.

This information has been confirmed by today’s edition of Tuttosport. Juventus has reportedly renewed its interest in Edon Zhegrova, the 1999-born right winger currently playing for Lille.

Like Matt O’Riley, Zhegrova had already been included on Giuntoli’s shortlist and was seriously considered a year ago before the club opted to pursue Nico Gonzalez instead.

Nico Gonzalez of Juventus Fc in action during the friendly football match between Atalanta Bc and Juventus Fc. Juventus Fc wins 2-1 over Atalanta Bc.

Gonzalez had been chosen during last summer’s transfer window due to his versatility and the expectation that he would contribute more goals, in addition to offering an option in the central forward role.

However, following a disappointing season—characterized by physical issues and tactical misunderstandings—he is now considered to be on the fringes of the project.

Juventus is currently in search of a winger capable of fulfilling the dual-role responsibilities demanded by Igor Tudor. This position—essentially the fourth midfielder placed wide—will frequently be occupied by Francisco Conceição.

Therefore, both technical quality and athleticism are being prioritized in the search, in order to minimize risk while maintaining offensive support.

Zhegrova is believed to meet these requirements more effectively than other candidates, such as Arnau Martinez and Nahuel Molina.

Lille’s Kosovan forward Edon Zhegrova fights for the ball with Juventus’ French midfielder Khephren Thuram and Juventus’ Colombian defender Juan…

For this reason, Damien Comolli has reportedly begun gathering information from the player’s entourage to assess the feasibility of a deal, including any potential negotiation avenues and margin for maneuver.

Strong competition has been reported from Marseille, which has attempted to reach an agreement with Lille based on a paid loan with a mandatory purchase clause.

The fee requested by Lille is said to be close to the amount Juventus would receive from the sale of Nico Gonzalez. Gonzalez remains hopeful of a move to Atlético Madrid, although the Spanish club currently falls short of Juventus’ €30 million valuation.

Further developments are awaited, as the situation appears to depend on a complex chain of events. What is clear, however, is that Zhegrova is reportedly open to a move to Turin, where he would reunite with former teammate Jonathan David.

The winger is also understood to be aware—after missing much of the second half of last season due to injury—that certain opportunities come only once in a lifetime.

Edon Zhegrova celebrating Jonathan David, who is currently a Juventus player, goal against Juventus in the Champions League last season.