Juventus‘s opening pre-season friendly against Basel ended in a 0-0 stalemate, but the result was quickly overshadowed by an injury to summer signing Jeff Ekhator. The forward was forced off after just 29 minutes with a muscle problem during Saturday’s clash in Switzerland, intensifying calls for the Serie A giants to reinforce their attacking options before the transfer window closes.
Injury exposes attacking shortage
The Bianconeri faced a Basel side managed by former Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner, yet struggled to find their rhythm in front of goal. Goalkeeper Mattia Perin saved a penalty during the contest, while midfielder Fabio Miretti missed a significant opportunity to break the deadlock. The lack of cutting edge, combined with Ekhator’s premature exit, has prompted Italian media to urge the club to accelerate their hunt for a new centre-forward.
Securing a striker has become as pressing a priority as recruiting a goalkeeper, with the current options looking thin following the latest fitness setback.
PSG negotiations prove tricky
Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani remains Juventus’s principal objective up front. The France international is described as the club’s “big target” by Italian outlets, yet discussions with the Parisian club have proved complicated and remain unresolved.
With time running out to complete a deal for Kolo Muani, Juventus have activated contingency plans. The Turin club has opened negotiations with Parma regarding Argentine forward Mateo Pellegrino and has also made enquiries about Tottenham Hotspur’s Brazilian international Richarlison.
Return of the ex?
An unexpected alternative has emerged in the form of a former player. Dusan Vlahovic is currently available as a free agent, and Italy manager Luciano Spalletti has reportedly opened the door to a potential return, on the condition that the striker reduces his wage demands.
However, other names have been ruled out. Both Jonathan David of Lille and Lois Openda of RB Leipzig are understood not to feature in Luciano Spalletti’s plans, narrowing the focus to Kolo Muani, Pellegrino, Richarlison or the possible re-signing of Vlahovic as solutions to the club’s striking dilemma ahead of the new campaign.