Juventus are entering a pivotal phase in their summer transfer campaign. With the imminent arrival of Jonathan David, who is set to sign a five-year contract after leaving Lille as a free agent, the club has already secured a major reinforcement for its forward line. However, the ambition of the Bianconeri leadership does not stop there. The club is actively seeking to add another high-profile striker to further strengthen the squad under coach Igor Tudor.
Gazzetta dello Sport report how the decision now facing Juventus is whether to pursue Randal Kolo Muani or Victor Osimhen as the next addition to their attack.
The Kolo Muani Situation
Randal Kolo Muani spent the past season on loan at Juventus from Paris Saint-Germain. The French striker has expressed a strong desire to remain in Turin, and Juventus is keen to leverage his preference to negotiate favourable terms with PSG. The club’s initial proposal was for a loan with an option to buy, but PSG are pushing for a permanent transfer. The situation is complicated by Chelsea’s interest, which could drive up the price or force Juventus to act quickly. While Kolo Muani is not in PSG’s plans moving forward, the French club would prefer a definitive sale rather than another loan deal.
The Osimhen Option
On the other side of the equation is Victor Osimhen, Napoli’s prolific Nigerian forward. Osimhen has a €75 million release clause valid for foreign clubs until mid-July, after which Napoli would need to negotiate directly with any interested party, including Juventus. Osimhen has already indicated his willingness to join Juventus, and the club has maintained ongoing contact with his representatives. However, the financial demands are significant. Osimhen’s salary is around €9 million net, though Juventus could benefit from tax breaks under Italy’s “Decreto Crescita.” In contrast, Kolo Muani’s gross salary would be higher due to the absence of similar tax benefits, even though his net salary is lower at approximately €7 million.
Juventus’ ability to bring in a second marquee striker is also influenced by the current wage commitments to Dusan Vlahovic and the incoming David. The club is only likely to sign one of Kolo Muani or Osimhen, making this a critical decision point.
Strategic Considerations
Juventus sporting director Damien Comolli is reportedly urging Osimhen to wait, hoping that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis will be open to negotiating a lower fee once the release clause expires. Meanwhile, the club is keeping the door open for another loan arrangement with PSG for Kolo Muani, though this could be disrupted by Chelsea’s interest.
Both options present challenges and opportunities. Osimhen is seen as the preferred target due to his goal-scoring pedigree and openness to the move, but the financial and contractual hurdles remain significant. Kolo Muani, while eager to stay, is subject to the dynamics of PSG’s negotiations and potential competition from the Premier League.
