Alarm bells are ringing in Turin after Dusan Vlahovic’s injury left Juventus short of attacking options. Luciano Spalletti has transformed the team since taking charge — restoring order, identity, and tactical balance — but goals remain the missing piece. Tuttosport report that, with the Serbian striker sidelined until March, the January transfer window could prove decisive for the Bianconeri’s ambitions.
Vlahovic’s Injury Leaves a Gap
Without Vlahovic, Spalletti is down to just two natural centre-forwards: Jonathan David and Loïs Openda. On paper, both offer quality and potential. On the pitch, however, the story is less reassuring.
David fits the mould of a relational forward, linking play and supporting team movement rather than acting as a physical presence. Openda, meanwhile, excels in transition and open spaces — a style that suits continental football more than Serie A’s tighter, tactical duels.
Six Months of Underwhelming Returns
The numbers tell a stark story. Between them, David and Openda have managed just two league goals and three in the Champions League so far. For a team with Juventus’ expectations, that contribution falls far short.
After six months working under Spalletti, acclimatisation can no longer serve as an excuse. Both strikers are yet to demonstrate they can carry the weight of Juventus’ attack on their own — reinforcing the club’s concern that the side lacks a genuine number nine.
A True No. 9 Needed
Spalletti’s tactical philosophy relies on an attacking focal point — a striker who combines physicality, movement, and presence inside the box. Neither David nor Openda fits that profile entirely. David thrives as a second forward, while Openda struggles when leading the line against compact defences.
This has led the club’s hierarchy, headed by new sporting director Giovanni Ottolini, to explore additions in January.
Pellegrino, Dovbyk, and Other Options
The priority target is Parma’s Mateo Pellegrino, who has impressed with eight goals this season and matches Spalletti’s ideal striker profile. Relations between the clubs are good, but Parma remain reluctant to part with their top scorer mid-season and have set a price tag of around €30 million.
Other potential targets include Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth and Napoli forward Lorenzo Lucca, though both deals would be challenging to finalise in January. More feasible could be a move for Artem Dovbyk, who could leave Roma if a buyer agrees to a permanent transfer.
Dzeko the Short-Term Alternative
In the event Juve fail to secure a long-term reinforcement, the emergency option could be Edin Dzeko. At 40, he would represent a short-term solution rather than a strategic signing, but his strong relationship with Spalletti could make him a useful addition for the season’s final months.
One thing is clear: Juventus are a stronger, more structured side under Spalletti — but if the club want to maintain momentum in the fight for honours, finding the right striker before February will be essential.
