Gatti sends clear Juventus transfer message amid Nottingham Forest and Newcastle links | OneFootball

Juventus defender Federico Gatti insists that playing for the team of his city is the ‘best thing he could ask for’ and hopes to return to action as soon as possible to help the Old Lady in the race for the top four.

The Italian centre-back attended an USSI event in Coverciano on Monday, joining the likes of Gianluigi Buffon and Gian Piero Gasperini.

Gatti has been forced to the sidelines since the end of March due to a fibula fracture.

“If it were up to me, I wouldn’t even have left the pitch. There’s a fracture and I’m trying to return as soon as possible. On Tuesday, I should start running again, but we’ll see. This is the most important part of the season,” he told reporters via TMW.

The Old Lady beat Monza on Sunday and are now two points ahead of fifth-placed Bologna, but the Rossoblu have a game in hand that they will play today.

“Fourth place is the minimum objective, and we have to secure it at all costs,” Gatti said.

“We have two tough away games coming up [against Bologna and Lazio] and a lot of our future will be decided there. We need to qualify for the Champions League.

Gatti sends clear Juventus transfer message amid Nottingham Forest and Newcastle links

epa11908411 Federico Gatti (L) of Juventus FC and Mauro Junior of PSV Eindhoven in action during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs 2nd leg soccer match between PSV Eindhoven and Juventus FC in Eindhoven, Netherlands, 19 February 2025. EPA-EFE/SEM VAN DER WAL

“There are a lot of teams within a few points, I don’t think it’s ever been this competitive.

“We can’t be satisfied with the results we’ve had. Everyone needs to take a look at themselves, and I put myself at the front,” Gatti continued.

“From my experience, I know that difficulties help you grow for the future. I hope this will be the case.”

How does he judge the impact of new coach Igor Tudor?

“It’s still early; he was a Juventus player for many years, and he knows the atmosphere at the club, which is unlike any other. He’s made his mark by talking about the past as well,” Gatti replied.

The Italian defender has been in talks to extend his Juventus contract until 2029, but several Premier League clubs have been linked with securing his signature, including Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

Gazzetta recently reported that even if Gatti extends his contract with Juventus, the Old Lady will consider offers in the region of €25m-30m, with both Premier League clubs still interested in signing him. Gatti, however, seems unwilling to leave the Allianz Stadium.

“Paradoxically, this has been my best season personally,” he argued.

“I’m in Turin and I am playing for the team of my city, it’s the best thing I could ask for.”

Lastly, Gatti commented on Kenan Yildiz’s red card against Monza.

“I know Kenan’s parents and family well, and this reaction will help him grow in the future. We spoke to him, and he has our full support. I know he’s the exact opposite of that gesture; he’s a key player for us,” he concluded.