Spalletti wants him: Juventus Push for New No.9

Juventus’ rebuilding process is far from complete. A house cannot be considered fully renovated after only a couple of rooms have been polished, and despite the sudden wave of optimism created by the work of CEO Giovanni Carnevali and sporting director Frederic Massara, the Bianconeri still have important changes to make at Continassa.

One of the areas requiring the most attention is the attacking department. The return of Randal Kolo Muani alone will not be enough to transform Juventus into the team that the club’s management and Luciano Spalletti are imagining for the 2026-27 season.

At the moment, the offensive options include Kolo Muani, Jonathan David, Jeff Ekhator and Arkadiusz Milik, but within the club’s plans, at least half of the attacking unit could undergo major changes.

According to journalist Giovanni Albanese, who reported the latest updates on Juventus’ plans, the club continues to work on strengthening the attack and has identified a number of profiles capable of raising the quality of Spalletti’s squad.

Juventus dream: Zirkzee at the top of Massara’s list

Before focusing on potential departures, Juventus want to satisfy the ambitions of their supporters and reinforce the squad with high-profile additions.

The name currently at the top of the club’s attacking shortlist is Joshua Zirkzee, a long-time favourite of Frederic Massara dating back to his time at Roma.

The Dutch striker is looking for a new opportunity where he can regain a central role in an ambitious project.

A return to Serie A would be particularly attractive for Zirkzee, considering that Italy was the league where he established himself as one of Europe’s most interesting young forwards before earning a move to a top European club.

His situation at Manchester United, however, has not developed as expected. The limited playing time available at Old Trafford has opened the door for Juventus, who have already made initial contact with the player’s representatives.

The Bianconeri’s idea would be to negotiate a loan deal with the Red Devils, although the operation remains complicated.

Juventus are aware of the difficulties involved but have shown they are willing to pursue ambitious targets, as demonstrated by their recent success in beating strong competition to secure talented youngster Kerim Alajbegovic for Spalletti.

Spalletti’s request: Juventus need a powerful number nine

Regardless of whether the Zirkzee operation becomes possible, one priority has remained clear for Juventus since January: Luciano Spalletti wants a physically dominant striker capable of changing difficult matches inside the penalty area.

The coach has repeatedly expressed the need for a forward who can attack crosses, protect the ball, bring the team higher up the pitch and provide a strong presence in the final third.

That requirement became urgent during Dusan Vlahovic’s injury absence, but what initially appeared to be a temporary problem has now become a permanent situation following the Serbian striker’s contract expiry on July 1.

Spalletti has not completely abandoned the idea of bringing Vlahovic back and has maintained contact with the former Fiorentina forward. However, that hope is expected to remain only until the striker officially chooses his next club.

Meanwhile, Juventus are also monitoring other options, including Mateo Pellegrino of Parma. The Argentine striker represents a cheaper alternative in terms of salary compared to other targets, although Parma value him at around €30 million.

Pellegrino has also attracted interest from Fiorentina and fits the profile Juventus are searching for: a powerful centre-forward with different characteristics compared to Kolo Muani, Jonathan David and Jeff Ekhator.

The attacking revolution at Juventus is therefore still underway, and the coming weeks could be decisive in shaping the final version of Spalletti’s squad for the new season.

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