Juventus make first contact with Sassuolo over Bakola, 18

📰 Juventus have reportedly made first contact over Sassuolo's 18-year-old midfielder Darryl Bakola. 📌 Key points 🗞️ La Gazzetta dello Sport reported Juventus' interest in Bakola. 🤝 CEO Carnevali is said to have spoken to Sassuolo's director. 🇫🇷 Bakola is a French midfielder who turns 19 next month. 💶 A deal of around €30m, possibly with a player, is mentioned. 📅 Juve are weighing a January move or securing him for summer. 📝 What happened 🤝 According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali spoke to Sassuolo director Francesco Palmieri about Bakola at Italy's game in Bologna. 🧠 Carnevali led Bakola's signing during his time at Sassuolo. Football Italia says the midfielder joined from Marseille earlier this year for €10m plus €2m in add-ons. ⚽ Bakola has three assists in six competitive games this season. Football Italia believes his price will rise the longer Juventus wait, with Premier League interest also emerging. 🩹 Juventus urgently need midfielders with Thuram and Locatelli injured. Calciomercato.com adds that Spalletti also wants an experienced midfielder, with Marseille's Højbjerg considered. 📊 By the numbers • Bakola's age: 18 (19 next month) • This season: three assists in six games • Fee when he joined Sassuolo: €10m + €2m add-ons • Reported deal value: around €30m (player could be included) 🔭 Why it matters Sassuolo are said to be reluctant to let Bakola go in January, so Juventus are considering locking in a summer move before a bidding war starts. No formal offer has been made yet. Juventus visit Cagliari this weekend in Serie A Week 6, while Sassuolo host Milan.