Serie A clubs move to lock down key players as Champions League play begins

Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter are all working on contract extensions for central squad members, according to reports in the Italian press, as the 2026/27 Champions League group stage gets underway.

Juventus moves to extend Kalulu

Juventus are reportedly negotiating a one-year extension with defender Pierre Kalulu that would keep him at the club through June 30, 2030. His current deal runs to 2029. The French full-back has become a fixture under coach Luciano Spalletti, and his form drew summer interest from several Premier League sides, including Manchester United — whose shares closed at $20.03, down 1.89% from the prior close of $20.42, valuing the club at roughly $3.45 billion.

Milan prioritizes a Pulisic agreement

At Milan, owner Gerry Cardinale is said to be pushing for a renewal with Christian Pulisic rather than relying on the club’s unilateral option to extend the American winger’s contract to 2028. The club’s leadership views Pulisic as central to its long-term project, and while talks are expected to intensify later, both sides appear aligned on continuing the relationship.

Inter works on its left flank

Inter have opened discussions with Federico Dimarco’s agent, who met with new sporting director Dario Baccin. The club also holds a mutual one-year renewal option on identical terms should a fresh deal not be reached.

Baccin is also expected to sit down soon with the representatives of Carlos Augusto and Manuel Akanji. Carlos Augusto, whose contract runs to June 2028 and whose salary exceeds €2.5 million net per season including bonuses, has strengthened his standing with the club and coach Chivu.

Matchday context

The renewal activity coincides with the opening round of Champions League fixtures. After losses for Inter (to Real Madrid) and Napoli (to Arsenal) earlier in the week, Roma travel to face Fenerbahçe and Como host RB Leipzig.

What to watch

• Confirmation of Kalulu’s extension through 2030 via an official Juventus announcement
• Progress of Milan–Pulisic negotiations as talks intensify in the coming weeks
• Meetings between Inter’s sporting director and the representatives of Dimarco, Carlos Augusto, and Akanji
• Napoli updates on Frank Anguissa’s availability ahead of the Bologna fixture

Source: original release