Saturday sees Juventus deploy the strongest defence in this year's Champions League against Real Madrid in Cardiff although one element of their BBC backline, Leonardo Bonucci, could be subject to an approach by Los Blancos this summer.
A couple of fallings out with Bianconeri coach Massimiliano Allegri, over the possibility of a move away from Turin in October before a feud over substitutions in February that bruised both parties' egoes, contribute to a hanging question mark over the centre-back's future.
Los Blancos are certainly admirers of the 30-year-old and opted against any move while Pepe's contract situation was itself unresolved, but with the Portuguese international's destiny set for Inter, a fresh face is required at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Many have touted Jesus Vallejo for that role next season with the Spaniard impressing at Eintracht Frankfurt across 2016/17, although there remain dissenting voices in the Madrid hierarchy who would prefer the 20-year-old to continue to gain experience with a new loan spell.
A decision must be made this summer, then, as Real ponder exactly how much of a priority the position is given Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, and Nacho Fernandez's continuation at the club.
With a contract until 2021 and price tag upwards of 40 million euros, Bonucci is a tempting prospect that requires a definite answer once the final whistle blows in Cardiff on Saturday night.