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Opened talks for swap David – Mateta

Published

2 months ago

August 25, 2026

Juventus are searching for a classic centre-forward, and Luciano Spalletti would ideally like the solution to arrive quickly.

Despite the significant investments already made in Randal Kolo Muani and Ekhator, the Juventus coach appears convinced that his attacking department still lacks a specific type of striker capable of changing games when opponents sit deep.

Following Sunday’s victory away to Frosinone, Spalletti was clear about what he wants. The Italian coach explained that Juventus are looking for “an attacker with different characteristics”, pointing out that Kolo Muani is at his best when attacking space.

When matches become tight and opponents defend deep, however, Spalletti believes Juventus need another weapon — particularly a player capable of attacking crosses and making the difference in the air.

In other words, the Bianconeri are looking for a traditional target man, someone capable of leading the line alone, dominating aerial situations, holding up the ball and bringing teammates into play, while still having enough pace to attack the space behind defenders.

As reported by Nicolò Schira for Tuttosport, this profile could have important consequences for Juventus’ current transfer plans.

Zirkzee Does Not Fully Fit Spalletti’s Profile

One of the names closest to Juventus at the moment is Joshua Zirkzee, a long-standing favourite of sporting director Ricky Massara. The Dutch striker is well known to Massara, who previously tried to bring him to Roma on several occasions, particularly during the January transfer window.

Now, the situation could be different. Manchester United are reportedly open to a loan with an option to buy, a formula that would be particularly attractive to Juventus given the club’s current financial strategy.

However, Zirkzee does not perfectly match the traditional No.9 profile requested by Spalletti. His technical quality, ability to link play and movement between the lines are undeniable, but the Juventus coach appears to be looking for a more physical presence inside the penalty area.

That is why Aleksander Sorloth and Jean-Philippe Mateta could ultimately be more attractive solutions.

Both players have already been on Juventus’ radar in recent months. Sorloth, currently at Atletico Madrid, could potentially become part of a wider deal involving Nico Gonzalez, who continues to dream of returning to work with Diego Simeone.

Mateta, meanwhile, could represent an intriguing opportunity. The Crystal Palace striker has not accepted the club’s attempts to extend his contract, which expires in just ten months.

His asking price has consequently fallen from around €35 million to €25 million — coincidentally the same figure Juventus are reportedly seeking for Jonathan David.

Mateta – David Swap Could Open the Door

This has led to an interesting possibility: Mateta to Juventus in exchange for Jonathan David.

According to Schira, intermediaries and agents have already begun considering the potential operation. Juventus would reportedly be open to the idea, especially because David does not appear to be a central part of the club’s new project and finding a suitable destination for the Canadian has proved difficult.

The former Lille striker has already rejected offers from Hull City and Trabzonspor, while he has shown greater openness towards Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

That could provide the foundation for a more ambitious operation between Juventus and Palace. A swap involving David and Mateta would allow the Bianconeri to replace one forward with a player who appears much closer to the physical profile Spalletti has requested.

For Juventus, the priority is becoming increasingly clear: find a striker who can fill the penalty area, dominate aerial battles and provide a different solution when games become difficult to unlock.

Zirkzee remains an option because of his talent and the favourable loan formula, but Sorloth and especially Mateta may represent a much closer tactical fit for Spalletti’s vision.