Juventus Pursues Heavyweight No 9 as Mateta Eyes Turin Move
Juventus have gone back into the market for a powerful centre-forward, with Luciano Spalletti pushing for a more physical presence to spearhead his attack for the new season.
According to reports in Italy, the club are scouring the Premier League in search of the right profile. Joshua Zirkzee has been discussed, but the Bianconeri are keeping several options open as sporting director Frederic Massara weighs up cost, style of play and long‑term value.
Mateta back on the radar
One name has surged back towards the top of the list. Jean-Philippe Mateta.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that the Crystal Palace striker has re-emerged as a serious target after making it clear he would welcome a move to Turin. Under contract at Selhurst Park until June 2027, the Frenchman is understood to be open to a new challenge following the recent managerial change in south London.
Juventus are tracking his situation closely. Mateta offers exactly the kind of physical, penalty-box presence Spalletti wants, and his willingness to move has sharpened the club’s focus as the window ticks down.
Young forwards under scrutiny
Mateta is not the only name on the list. Juventus have also been monitoring a clutch of younger European forwards as they look to deepen their attacking options and refresh the squad.
Among those followed are Nottingham Forest’s Arnaud Kalimuendo and Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade, both on the radar of several major clubs, including Napoli. Their profiles fit the Bianconeri’s push for energy and upside, but any move has to pass strict financial and squad-planning checks.
Massara’s task is clear: find a striker who can add immediate, direct firepower without unbalancing the wage bill or blocking the pathway of existing talents.
Outgoings will decide everything
There is one immovable condition before any new No 9 walks through the door. Juventus must sell first.
The departure of Canadian forward Jonathan David is described as a key prerequisite to unlock the next phase of their market. Only once space on the wage sheet and in the dressing room is cleared can the club press ahead with concrete bids for Mateta or any of the other targets.
The window is heading into its decisive stretch. Juventus know their next move up front will shape Spalletti’s attack for the season – the only question now is which striker they back to carry the weight of the shirt.
