News Focus
- Juventus have started formal talks with Atletico Madrid over the transfer of striker Alexander Sorloth
- The Italian club must rebuild their attack after Dusan Vlahovic confirmed his free exit this summer
- Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign struggling RB Leipzig forward Lois Openda
- Sorloth has scored 20 goals in 54 matches since joining Atletico Madrid from Villarreal last year
- Openda has netted only twice in 34 appearances following his €45m move to Germany
Italian giants Juventus have opened direct negotiations with Atletico Madrid regarding the possible transfer of Norway international Alexander Sorloth. Reports from Sky Sport Italia indicate that the Serie A club want to secure the 30-year-old centre-forward as they prepare for major changes in their attacking line.
The Bianconeri face a busy summer transfer window. Star striker Dusan Vlahovic will leave the club on a free transfer when his contract ends on June 30. The Serbian failed to reach an agreement on new terms with the Turin side. This departure has forced the Italian club to search for new goalscorers. They have also placed Jonathan David, Lois Openda and Eden Zhegrova on their list of potential targets.
Sorloth moved to the Wanda Metropolitano from Villarreal for €32 million in the summer of 2024. During his first season in the Spanish capital, he found the net 20 times in 54 competitive matches. His current deal with the La Liga club runs until June 2028.
The Norwegian hitman has attracted interest from other major European clubs. AC Milan have also considered making a bid for the former Crystal Palace player. Meanwhile, Barcelona view him as a possible replacement for ageing striker Robert Lewandowski.
Across the English Channel, Nottingham Forest have emerged as serious candidates to sign Belgian forward Lois Openda. The Premier League club are watching the 26-year-old’s situation at RB Leipzig closely.
Openda has had a difficult campaign in the Bundesliga since his €45 million move from French football. He has managed just two goals in 34 games this term. Alongside Forest, German side Eintracht Frankfurt and Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco are also tracking the striker’s availability.