Serhou Guirassy, who was the hat-trick hero in this week’s Champions League 3-1 triumph over Barcelona, has scored a remarkable 28 goals in all competitions this term.
Chelsea and Liverpool appear to be the favorites to secure the signature of the Guinea international, but Juve have thrown their hat into the ring by expressing interest.
Guirassy stole the show for the Bundesliga club, who bowed out of Europe’s top club competition 5-3 on aggregate, which alerted a clutch of teams to his potential availability.
AC Milan, Arsenal, Auxerre, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Fenerbahce, Juventus, Liverpool and Newcastle United are just a handful of the European giants showing serious intent to secure his signature.
Guirassy exit clause
Guirassy's contract expires at the end of the 2027/28 campaign, although he does have a €70 million (£79.6m) exit clause that only applies to certain clubs across Europe including Juventus.
Although this clause can only be triggered after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup finals that take place in June and July, it seems a steep price tag for the 29-year-old. He joined Dortmund from VfB Stuttgart last summer for €18m (US20.5m), having bagged 39 goals over the past two seasons.
German newspaper Bild reported this week that Guirassy’s goal is to compete in the Premier League, which will be good news for his long-term admirers Chelsea and Liverpool although disheartening for Juventus.
Back-up plan
With uncertainty at the Turin titans over the future of striker Dusan Vlahovic and interim head coach Igor Tudor, the Juve sporting director Cristiano Guintoli is exploring Plan B for all eventualities.
Serbia star Vlahovic’s contract expires at the end of next season, so the club could try to cash in during the summer. He is currently refusing to enter negotiations about extending his deal if his annual salary of €12m (US13.65m) is reduced.
Tudor has a short-term deal until 30 June, which encompasses the remainder of the Serie A season and the initial phase at the Club World Cup finals in the United States.
The former Juventus defender would trigger talks about becoming permanent manager for next season if he can score a top four finish, which guarantees Champions League soccer. Tudor could then consider whether Guirassy is a perfect fit for the Bianconeri.