Everton is actively pursuing the signing of Juventus defender Federico Gatti this summer. Reports from Italian outlets Tuttosport and Sport Witness indicate that both the Toffees and Nottingham Forest are leading the chase for the 27-year-old. Both clubs are keen on acquiring the defender, having made attempts to sign him last summer.
Everton pursues Juventus defender Federico Gatti as the summer transfer window nears
Gatti has seen his opportunities dwindle since Luciano Spalletti took charge of Juventus, preferring a back three that includes Pierre Kalulu, Gleison Bremer, and Lloyd Kelly. This shift in team dynamics has effectively placed Gatti on the transfer market, despite having signed a new contract in Turin last July. Transfermarkt estimates his value at €16 million, while Juventus is reportedly seeking around €25 million for his transfer.
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AC Milan is monitoring the situation, while Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, has also expressed interest. Additionally, Galatasaray has sent a representative to Turin to initiate discussions. Gatti is known for his physical presence and solid defensive stats, but concerns remain about his passing ability and discipline in a high defensive line. Juventus appears ready to sell the player to fund their own summer transfers.
Is Federico Gatti a priority signing for Everton this summer?
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Federico Gatti 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)
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David Moyes has revitalized Everton’s season, leading them to victories in three of their last four matches, including a 3-0 win over Chelsea, and are now making a strong push towards European qualification from their recently revamped Hill Dickinson Stadium. While pursuing a centre-back appears logical, Gatti seems like a curious selection for the squad.
Everton’s main focus this summer is likely to be strengthening their attacking options, especially with interests in Roma striker Artem Dovbyk and connection to PSV’s Ricardo Pepi. Investing nearly €25 million in a defender who averages just 0.7 interceptions and 0.6 tackles per game in Serie A would be a substantial risk. Furthermore, with Jarrad Branthwaite now fully fit, investing heavily in a player who does not clearly outperform existing options would be a misallocation of funds.
While Gatti’s physicality is advantageous in a slower defensive setup, it might not align with what Moyes needs for competing in European football, where maintaining composure on the ball is crucial. He could be better suited for teams like Leeds United or Newcastle United, where strengthening defensive depth is a greater concern. While Everton should monitor his situation, they would be wiser to allocate their resources in other areas at this time.