Juventus are facing a full-blown attacking crisis just weeks before the start of the Serie A season, with negotiations for Randal Kolo Muani dragging on and promising youngster Jeff Ekhator picking up an injury in Saturday's pre-season friendly against Basel.
The Bianconeri played out a goalless draw at St. Jakob-Park — a result that laid bare the squad's lack of firepower up front. Sporting director Giovanni Carnevali, his deputy Ricky Massara and technical director Marco Ottolini were all in the stands, acutely aware that time is running out before the league opener at Frosinone on August 23.
The priority target remains Paris Saint-Germain's Kolo Muani, who has been training with the French side's reserves and is deemed surplus to requirements. Juventus have submitted an offer worth around €40 million including bonuses. The France international has already agreed personal terms on a five-year deal worth €5.5 million per season and is pushing PSG for the green light, but the Parisians have yet to respond. Kolo Muani scored 10 goals during a six-month loan spell in Turin in 2025 and is eager to return.
Complicating matters further, Italy Under-21 striker Jeff Ekhator — signed from Genoa at the end of June — suffered a physical problem during the Basel friendly. He is set to undergo tests in the coming days to determine the severity of the injury.
The situation is equally messy on the outgoing front. Lois Openda, a €44 million signing who managed just two goals last season, is on the market with interest from Lens, Lyon and Coventry. Arkadiusz Milik continues to be hampered by persistent fitness issues, having played only 30 minutes in Basel — roughly his total game time across the past two injury-ravaged campaigns. Dusan Vlahovic, a free agent since the end of June, has not responded to Spalletti's overtures regarding a new deal, while Jonathan David is still wrapping up his post-World Cup holiday, hoping to change the manager's mind.
Should the Kolo Muani deal fall through, Juventus will pivot quickly to alternatives. Tottenham's Richarlison is a viable option after recent contact between Carnevali and Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi; the Brazilian scored 12 goals last season and is available for €20–25 million. Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sorloth is another target, though his €35–40 million price tag makes him a more expensive proposition. Parma's Matteo Pellegrino remains a fallback option as a potential rotational piece.
With less than five weeks until the Serie A curtain-raiser, Spalletti needs at least one striker through the door — and the clock is ticking.
Sources
- https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Calciomercato/Juventus/19-07-2026/juventus-mercato-attaccanti-ekhator-openda-david.shtml
