Juventus manager Igor Tudor has responded to reports linking West Ham centre-back Nayef Aguerd with a move to Turin, according to Moroccan outlet Analkhabar.

His comments come as both Juventus and AS Roma have reportedly made bids for the Moroccan international, with West Ham expected to offload the defender this summer.

Speaking to Analkhabar, Tudor said, “I can’t talk about the transfer market. But I have great respect for Moroccan players. They have a strong personality that distinguishes them on the field, in addition to their great technical talents.” While Tudor didn’t name Aguerd directly, the remarks were taken by some to hint at the 28-year-old, who’s seen as a potential target for Juventus.

Roma Ahead in the Race?

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that both Roma and Juventus have submitted offers for Aguerd. Roma’s bid is believed to be around £15 million, slightly higher than the one from Juventus.

West Ham are open to Aguerd’s departure and, as per Hammers News, may accept considerably less than the £30 million paid to Rennes in 2022. The Moroccan has struggled to find consistency in East London, with spells of good form offset by injuries and a largely uneventful loan at Real Sociedad.

West Ham Targeting Summer Rebuild

With Graham Potter now leading the club, West Ham are reportedly aiming to raise between £15 to £20 million from Aguerd’s sale, according to Hammers News. That money would then go straight into summer transfers.

The club have already begun shortlisting replacements and reinforcements across the pitch. West Ham had contact with Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale a month ago, while Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika has been identified as a top midfield target by head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay.

Up front, the scouting focus includes Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha and Galatasaray attacker Baris Alper Yilmaz.

Juve Could Offer Rugani in Swap Deal

Di Marzio also reports that Juventus may look to include Daniele Rugani in a potential swap for Aguerd. Rugani, a five-time Serie A title-winner, has seen limited game time recently and could give West Ham experience at the back if included in a deal.

However, the idea hasn’t landed universally well in Turin. Some Juventus fans would reportedly prefer to see a player like Lloyd Kelly, previously of Bournemouth and Newcastle, involved instead.

As the summer window edges closer, West Ham are expected to clarify Aguerd’s future soon, with other transfer business likely to follow quickly.