Zeki Celik's Roma Exit: Inter vs Juventus Battle
The summer market has not opened yet, but one of its first battles is already being drawn on familiar lines: Inter vs Juventus, and a free agent who fits both of their needs.
Zeki Celik is walking toward the exit at Roma. The club have shown little appetite to extend the 29-year-old’s expiring contract, and barring a late twist he will leave the Stadio Olimpico in June on a free. For a defender with Serie A experience and European pedigree from his Lille days, that status alone makes him a magnet for Italy’s biggest operators.
At San Siro, that combination is almost a calling card. Bosman deals have long been a hallmark of Beppe Marotta’s transfer strategy, and Celik drops neatly into that category: experienced, tactically disciplined, and available without a transfer fee.
Inter's Interest
Inter’s interest is also driven by a looming problem on the right. Denzel Dumfries could depart in the summer, and the club are already scanning the market for a long-term solution at wingback. Celik, capable and reliable in a back-three system, offers exactly the sort of low-risk option that allows Inter to spend their main budget elsewhere.
That budget is expected to be pointed firmly at the defence. Cristian Chivu, preparing for a significant overhaul, is likely to see several veterans move on, forcing Inter to refresh the back line in one hit. Picking up Celik without a fee would free resources for bigger investments in central defence, while still shoring up the flanks.
Juventus' Approach
Juventus, though, are not about to watch quietly from the sidelines. The Turin giants have also been trawling the market for defensive reinforcements and have locked onto Celik’s situation. His contract running down, his adaptability, his familiarity with Serie A – it all ticks boxes for a club trying to rebuild smartly rather than extravagantly.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, both clubs are now tracking the Turkish international closely, with the prospect of a straight head‑to‑head between the two old rivals for his signature growing by the week.
For Celik, it is a rare position of strength. For Inter and Juventus, it is the kind of duel that can shape not just a squad list, but the balance of power on the flanks for the seasons to come.
