​Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram is dealing with knee problems, which will force him to miss the entire pre-season, so the Bianconeri are now pushing to sign Franck Kessié as a free agent, but hope the ex-Milan star will lower his demands.Ivory Coast international midfielder remains on Juventus’ radar, and according to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri have progressed negotiations for the 29-year-old in recent weeks.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKessié refused to sign a contract extension with his previous club, Al-Ahli, so he’s available as a free agent, but Gazzetta claims that Juventus are unwilling to match his salary demands.TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 20: Franck Kessié #8 of Cote d’Ivoire celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D’Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)According to the report, Kessié is intrigued by the prospect of joining Juventus, but has demanded a salary between €5m and €6m and a substantial signing bonus for himself and his agent.TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Khephren Thuram of Juventus FC reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJuventus will continue negotiations with the ex-Milan star in the coming days, especially because one of their midfield stars, Thuram, is dealing with a knee problem that will force him to miss the entire pre-season.The Frenchman has patellofemoral pain syndrome, so he’ll train separately for the entire summer, hoping to be eligible to play in September.