Manchester United full-back Noussair Mazraoui has emerged as a fresh transfer target for Italian heavyweights Juventus, casting significant doubt over his long-term future at Old Trafford.
Serie A Giants Reignite Their Interest
According to reports from Italy, Juventus have renewed their pursuit of the Moroccan international, having first considered him last summer. The Serie A club is actively seeking to bolster its defensive options and views the 26-year-old as an ideal candidate.
Mazraoui, who joined United from Bayern Munich in a deal worth £12.8 million in 2024, remains under contract with the Premier League side until 2028. The club also holds an option to extend that deal by a further year.
Mazraoui's Current Status and United's Dilemma
The defender's immediate focus is elsewhere, as he is currently representing Morocco at the African Cup of Nations. His nation progressed to the semi-finals after a 2-0 victory over Cameroon, featuring Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, on Friday.
This commitment rules him out of Manchester United's upcoming FA Cup tie against Brighton. Caretaker manager Darren Fletcher confirmed, "I think it's too close a turnaround... Nous will not be available for the game."
Since his arrival, Mazraoui has made 66 appearances for United, though his involvement this season has been limited to just nine outings, with six starts. This reduced role may influence the club's decision on whether to entertain offers for the player.
Juventus' Alternatives and United's Stance on Other Deals
Juventus are also monitoring other potential signings, including Genoa's Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Bayern Munich's Sacha Boey, indicating they have contingency plans should a move for Mazraoui fail.
Meanwhile, the speculation around Mazraoui is not the only transfer link between United and Italy. A proposed move for striker Joshua Zirkzee to Roma appears to have collapsed following the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim.
Roma's sporting director, Frederic Massara, stated that United have "completely closed off any discussion" regarding the transfer market after their recent change in coach, making a Zirkzee departure highly improbable.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Mazraoui remains a part of Manchester United's future plans or if a return to continental football with Juventus beckons.
