Giuntoli on Antonio Silva and Danilo reports around Juventus | OneFootball

Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli will not deny they find Benfica player Antonio Silva ‘interesting’ and insists they are ‘holding on tight’ to Napoli and Manchester United target Danilo.

The Gran Galà del Calcio is this evening, the Italian version of the PFA Awards, so everyone is in attendance at the ceremony.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia on the red carpet, Giuntoli was asked how Juve saw the campaign so far following last night’s 1-1 draw away to Lecce.

“It is an odd season with so many players out absence, but we are relying on the quality of the group and a coach with a new style of football,” replied Giuntoli.

“The objective is to finish in the top four, so paradoxically things are going better than expected, even though we’ve been dropping points lately due to the injuries.”

Giuntoli comments on Juventus transfer speculation

epa11320716 Benfica�s Antonio Silva applauds to fans after losing the Portuguese First League soccer match between FC Famalicao and SL Benfica in Vila Nova de Famalicao, Portugal, 05 May 2024. EPA-EFE/MANUEL FERNANDO ARAÚJO

With that in mind, and the absence for six months of both Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal with torn anterior cruciate ligaments, Juventus have been linked with a January bid for Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva.

“Antonio Silva is an interesting player, as are others,” replied Giuntoli when pressed on this particular name.

“In January, everyone tries to keep their cards close to their chest, so we are keeping an eye on various situations.”

There had also been reports that Juve veteran defender Danilo was a target for both Manchester United and Antonio Conte’s Napoli, especially as his contract will expire at the end of the season.

“At this moment he is our captain and we are holding on tight. We’re down to the bare bones in defence as it is, so we have not talked about this with him, nor with Napoli. Our objective is to keep everyone and further reinforce the defence in January,” added Giuntoli.

The Juventus director was asked whether they also intended to sign a new striker, considering Dusan Vlahovic’s injury has left them totally without centre-forwards.

“We are confident that Arek Milik will be back soon, so we are waiting for him and really believe in him.”