Juventus Targets Kenneth Taylor, but Lazio Sets a Hefty Price Tag
Juventus continues to search for midfield reinforcements ahead of the new season, but one of its top targets will not come cheaply. Kenneth Taylor has emerged as one of the club's preferred options, although Lazio has no intention of making his departure easy.
According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Juventus executives have already held talks with the Dutch midfielder's representatives to explore the possibility of a transfer. However, the biggest obstacle remains the asking price set by the Rome-based club.
Lazio Wants €50 Million
According to the report, Lazio is only willing to negotiate if an offer in the region of €50 million arrives.
It is a significant valuation considering the Italian club signed Kenneth Taylor from Ajax last season for approximately €15 million. A sale at that price would represent a substantial profit for the Biancocelesti.
The Dutch international is also under contract until the summer of 2030, strengthening Lazio's position in any potential negotiations.
According to Transfermarkt, Taylor's current market value is estimated at around €25 million, only half of what Lazio is reportedly demanding.
Juventus Looks to Strengthen the Midfield
Juventus' interest is also linked to potential changes within its own midfield during the current transfer window.
The future of Teun Koopmeiners remains uncertain, particularly following the return of Douglas Luiz, which could reshape the competition for places in midfield. Meanwhile, Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest continue to monitor the Dutch international's situation closely.
With that in mind, Kenneth Taylor is viewed as an attractive option thanks to his technical quality, versatility, and ability to operate both as a deep-lying midfielder and in a more advanced central role.
Gattuso Incident Draws Attention
Kenneth Taylor also made headlines this week following an incident during a Lazio training session.
Multiple reports in Italy claimed that head coach Gennaro Gattuso temporarily sent the midfielder away from training after an exchange between the two.
Later, it emerged that Gattuso and Taylor held a private conversation to clear the air, and the situation was quickly resolved, with no further issues expected inside the club.
For now, Juventus remains interested, but Lazio's financial demands make the deal one of the most difficult of the transfer window. If the Turin club hopes to sign Kenneth Taylor, it will likely need to submit an offer capable of convincing a club that has no urgency to part ways with one of its key midfielders.
