Juventus are on a mission to lock down their core. After securing the long-term futures of captain Manuel Locatelli, rising star Kenan Yildiz, and key midfielder Weston McKennie, the Bianconeri are reportedly turning their attention to another vital piece of the puzzle: defender Pierre Kalulu.

According to reports from Tuttosport in Italy, Kalulu is next in line for a contract extension. The French defender has been an absolute iron man for Juventus this season, leading the entire squad with a staggering 3,841 minutes played across 43 appearances in all competitions. That's nearly 400 minutes more than the next most-used player, highlighting his indispensable role in the team's defensive structure.

While Kalulu's current deal runs until 2029, the club's reported "great desire" to reward his consistency suggests a new agreement is a priority. The proposed extension would likely add one or two more years to his stay, pushing his commitment to 2030 or 2031, and come with a significant pay raise. Currently earning around €2.5 million per season, Kalulu could see his salary rise to figures similar to Locatelli's reported €4 million annual deal.

This proactive approach from Juventus signals a clear strategy: building a stable, talented foundation for the future. Securing a reliable and ever-present defender like Kalulu is a crucial step in that process, ensuring the backbone of the team remains strong for the challenges ahead.