Key Takeaways:
- Juventus have entered early discussions to sign Mike Maignan, Zeki Celik and Serge Gnabry as free agents for 2026
- Chelsea remain frontrunners to secure Maignan following last summer’s unsuccessful negotiations with Milan
- Liverpool have emerged as leading contenders for Serge Gnabry, with Roma maintaining confidence over keeping Zeki Celik
Juventus Open Talks with Maignan, Celik and Gnabry
Juventus have initiated preliminary negotiations regarding contracts for three soon-to-be free agents: Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Roma’s Zeki Celik and Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry. Targeting a major recruitment drive in the summer of 2026, the Bianconeri look set to bolster their squad, although rivalries with Premier League heavyweights present significant hurdles.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus are interested in free agents Mike Maignan, Zeki Celik and Serge Gnabry, but the Bianconeri are facing stiff competition from Premier League clubs. pic.twitter.com/ILwCA65xle
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) November 12, 2025
Chelsea Lead Pursuit of Maignan
Chelsea are presently at the forefront of the race to sign Mike Maignan, having previously held talks with Milan, which did not result in an agreement during the last transfer window. The London club are reportedly able to offer Maignan terms that Juventus will likely struggle to match, particularly given his demand for a remuneration exceeding his current €3m-a-year deal. Nevertheless, Juventus still hope to convince the French international, leveraging the presence of compatriots Khephren Thuram and Pierre Kalulu in their ranks. Meanwhile, Maignan is not expected to extend his Milan contract.
Gnabry and Celik Attract Premier League Attention
Juventus have also sounded out Serge Gnabry’s possible availability, but face competition from Liverpool, who appear poised to make a formal approach in January when they are permitted to enter contract discussions for the 30-year-old. Zeki Celik, currently in talks with Roma, remains a player the Giallorossi expect to retain, according to Sportingpedia sources in the Italian capital. Despite Juventus’ early inquiries, fierce Premier League interest could limit their chances of securing both Gnabry and Maignan.
