Real Madrid eye Juventus captain Locatelli as alternative to Rodri

Following reports that Rodri will join Barcelona, Real Madrid are reportedly expanding their midfield search to include Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli. The suggestion, attributed to Ekrem Konur, places the Italian midfielder among the names José Mourinho is evaluating. Locatelli, who has made 230 appearances for Juventus since 2021 and renewed his contract through 2030, is valued at roughly €25-30 million.

Juventus, having recently added Randal Kolo Muani and Kerim Alajbegović, need to generate cash before further purchases, making a sale feasible. Additional midfield prospects linked to the Spanish club include Teun Koopmeiners, whose €50 million-plus transfer has not fully convinced, and Fabio Miretti, who may be loaned with an option to buy. The broader market also sees interest in other Juventus players, with Napoli targeting defender Federico Gatti.