Juventus Striker Swap: Transfer Talks and Upfront Plans

Chaotic Striker Picture After Last Season

Juventus faces a significant overhaul in the forward line as preseason gets underway. Three of last year’s strikers are either off‑contract or have under‑performed to the point that the club would rather move them on. New front‑office officials are determined to rebuild this sector of the team completely.

Dusan Vlahovic has left the squad after his contract expired, while Jonathan David and Loïs Openda struggled so severely that they are now being considered for transfer. The club’s management sees this as an opportunity to reshape the attack and address a pressing need for reliable goalscorers.

Jeff Ekhator’s Arrival and Early Injury

Teenage talent Jeff Ekhator joined Juventus from Genoa as the first piece of the puzzle. However, he aggravated an injury during the pre‑season friendly against Basel, sidelining him for the opening matches. The injury adds urgency to Juventus’s search for additional striking options.

With Ekhator sidelined, the club’s striker shortage becomes even more acute as the transfer window progresses. Each signing or loan deal will be judged on its ability to fill the void left by the departing forwards.

Randal Kolo Muani Target Stall

Juve have continued their long‑standing pursuit of Randal Kolo Muani, a player three successive management teams have tried to bring from Paris Saint‑Germain. The French forward is eager to return to Turin after a previous loan spell, but financial disagreements have kept the deal alive. Recent negotiations show a €20 million gap, with PSG demanding €55 million and Juventus willing to offer €35 million.

Kolo Muani reported back to PSG training on Friday but was promptly informed he is not part of the club’s plans and placed in the Under‑19 squad. This move may give Juventus hope that the price can be lowered, as PSG appears desperate to offload him.

Mateo Pellegrino as Backup Option

Should the Kolo Muani deal fall through, Juventus are already looking at Parma’s 24‑year‑old striker Mateo Pellegrino. The club prefers a loan with an option to buy that could become an obligation under certain conditions. Parma, however, is demanding stronger guarantees for a permanent transfer, partly because a portion of any fee is owed to Pellegrino’s former club, Vélez Sársfield.

Pellegrino scored 12 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions last season and is also on Crystal Palace’s radar. Reports suggest the player himself is leaning toward a move to Turin, making him a viable alternative for the Bianconeri.

The striker situation must be resolved quickly, with the new campaign starting in just over a month. Fans and analysts will watch the ongoing negotiations closely as Juventus aims to fortify its attack for the upcoming season.