The two players represent contrasting profiles within the same recruitment logic.
Palacios, 26, is the established option — a 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina who has become one of the most complete midfielders in the Bundesliga since joining Bayer Leverkusen from River Plate in 2020.
He was central to the club's historic domestic double in 2023-24 and has contributed five goals and three assists in 41 appearances this season. His value is reported at around €30 million.
Fernández, known as Equi, is the longer-term bet. The 23-year-old left-footed midfielder joined Leverkusen in 2025, having previously left Boca Juniors for Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah. He has fewer appearances and a smaller profile, but his quick thinking and direct style have attracted attention at the highest level. His market value stands at around €22 million.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti is looking for midfielders with character and hunger rather than simply statistical output, and both Argentines fit that profile.
The pursuit of Palacios faces competition — Saudi Pro League clubs including Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli have been linked with the player — while Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes moved to publicly deny any intention of selling him earlier this season.
Whether Juventus can extract either or both players from Leverkusen before the World Cup is unclear, but the Italian club's interest in building around South American character in midfield has been a consistent theme of Spalletti's tenure.