Juventus are intensifying their efforts to secure a new centre-forward for Luciano Spalletti as the January transfer window enters a decisive phase. IlBianconero report that the club’s management, following the clear indications of the Tuscan coach, are determined to bolster their attacking options with a significant addition to the frontline.
At present, two names top the list of potential targets: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace and Youssef En-Nesyri of Fenerbahçe. Here’s the latest on both fronts.
Commission Issue Stalls Mateta Deal
Mateta remains Juventus’s primary objective, but negotiations with Crystal Palace have hit a snag. The Bianconeri recently submitted an official bid, only for the Premier League club to turn it down. Juve’s proposal was believed to include a paid loan deal with an option to buy — which would become an obligation under certain conditions — totalling around €30 million.
However, Palace dismissed the offer, valuing the French striker at a higher figure and insisting on a permanent deal from the outset. To complicate matters further, a new obstacle has emerged concerning the commissions due to Mateta’s representatives. The gap between Juve’s offer and the demands of the player’s entourage appears significant, adding another layer of difficulty to an already complex deal.
En-Nesyri Emerges as Plan B
With discussions for Mateta becoming increasingly complicated, Juventus are keeping a close eye on an alternative — Youssef En-Nesyri. The Moroccan forward, who recently featured in the Africa Cup of Nations, could be on his way out of Fenerbahçe. The Turkish side are reportedly open to letting him leave on loan with an option to buy.
For Juventus, such an arrangement would represent a lower financial risk. A temporary move would allow Spalletti to assess En-Nesyri’s fit within his system over the next six months before committing to a permanent transfer. Nevertheless, Juve face competition: Napoli have also expressed interest in the striker, meaning the Bianconeri will need to act decisively if they wish to stay in pole position.
With less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, Juventus’s hunt for a new number nine remains wide open — but time is running short to deliver Spalletti the reinforcement he’s asked for.
