Juventus are stepping up their efforts to keep Pierre Kalulu at the Allianz Stadium, with reports suggesting the Serie A giants are preparing a new and improved contract for the defender—just as Manchester United circle with interest.

The 25-year-old arrived in Turin in the summer of 2024, initially as a fallback option after Cristiano Giuntoli missed out on targets like Riccardo Calafiori and Jean-Clair Todibo. But what started as a Plan B quickly became one of the club's shrewdest moves in recent memory.

Kalulu joined Juventus on loan from AC Milan before the Bianconeri triggered their option to buy. All told—between loan fees, transfer fees, and add-ons—the deal cost around €20 million. Given his impact, most fans and pundits consider it a steal.

This season, the Lyon youth product has been a mainstay in the starting XI. Beyond his reliable defending, he's added a new dimension to his game, chipping in with two goals and seven assists. That versatility hasn't gone unnoticed across the Channel.

Several Premier League clubs have registered interest, with Manchester United leading the chase. In response, Juventus are looking to lock down the French international with a contract that reflects his growing importance. Kalulu's current deal runs until June 2029 on a €2.5 million net salary per year. According to Tuttosport, the club is ready to bump that up to €4 million annually—a figure reserved for core players like Manuel Locatelli and Weston McKennie, who recently signed extensions of their own.

After Saturday's win over Lecce, Kalulu played down the urgency, saying he's focused on Juventus's Champions League push and the upcoming summer World Cup. With a potential call-up from France boss Didier Deschamps on the horizon, any contract talks are expected to wait until after his summer break.

For now, the ball is in Juventus's court—and they're making sure their star defender knows just how much he's valued.