Graeme Bailey of TBR Football has revealed that Juventus have rejected approaches from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham for midfield powerhouse Khephren Thuram, with the Turin giants declaring him completely off-limits.

The 24-year-old has become a central pillar of Juve’s rebuild since joining from Nice in 2024. Bailey reported: “Thuram’s form since arriving in Italy has been spectacular… he has really kicked on.” Any lingering doubts over his suitability for the elite level have been firmly silenced, with his rise earning admiration from Didier Deschamps and an increasingly prominent role in the France squad.

Juventus’ New Core

The appointment of Damien Comolli as general manager has shifted Juve’s strategy sharply towards retention rather than sale. “They have no interest in letting either of these two go, they are both deemed as ‘untouchable’ by Juve at this point,” Bailey confirmed, referencing both Thuram and Turkish prodigy Kenan Yildiz.

Sources told TBR Football that Comolli wants “to build Juve’s future around Thuram and Yildiz”, securing them to long-term contracts before the next wave of Premier League bids arrives.

Missed Chance for English Clubs

Bailey noted with a hint of irony that “Thuram is one of those players that Premier League clubs had the chance to land before Juve took him from Nice.” Liverpool explored the deal in 2023 as part of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield reset, while Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remains a long-time admirer.

Even Tottenham are sniffing around midfield reinforcements, though their attention appears to have moved towards Yehor Yarmoliuk. Yet all four English sides received the same message from Juventus recruitment staff: move on.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool perspective, this report will sting slightly. Thuram was heavily linked with Anfield during the frantic summer of 2023. Many supporters still see him as a lost opportunity, especially given how his engine, size and versatility align perfectly with what Arne Slot demands from his midfielders.

The idea of Thuram lining up alongside Alexis Mac Allister, Gravenberch or Szoboszlai carries obvious appeal. There is no denying that Thuram carries a swagger that Klopp, and now Slot, covet in a midfielder.

However, Liverpool cannot afford to linger on near-misses. If Juventus are adamant, the club should pivot towards targets who match the same profile: strong, progressive, technically assured and ready to dominate games rather than merely participate in them.