The Bianconeri desperately required a prolific scorer as Dusan Vlahovic’s days seem to be numbered with the Turin titans.
Top target was Sweden international Viktor Gyokeres, who had a choice of Arsenal, Juventus or Manchester United.
With Arsenal the club most likely to win silverware next term, the 27-year-old picked the Londoners. Yet it has been a lengthy saga to potentially join the Premier League giants.
As the Sporting Lisbon marksman appeared destined to ply his trade in the English top tier, Juve focused on their next target of Canada international David and set him a deadline of mid-July.
Marquee signing David
The New York-born ace became Igor Tudor’s first signing at Juventus, and was a real coup as he arrived as a free agent after his contract at LOSC Lille expired.
Vlahovic, who is the best paid player in Serie A, had his nose put out of joint by David’s arrival. Although he could end up being his partner in crime to lead the attack for the 2025/26 campaign.
The Serbia international has received substantial offers from the Saudi Pro League and the Turkish Super Lig. Only a switch, on a reduced salary to AC Milan and hook up with ex-Juve boss Max Allegri, or a cut-price deal to a Premier League club seem viable if he leaves.
Yet Gyokeres could soon be back in the equation to lead the Juve frontline next term, should his move to Arsenal fall through.
Negotiations are ongoing between Sporting and Arsenal. The Londoners have RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, another Juve target, as a back-up striker if the deal for Gyokeres doesn’t get over the line.
Arsenal could tempt Vlahovic
Vlahovic, who turned down Arsenal to join Juventus from Fiorentina, could yet land a switch to the Premier League with the Londoners.
Decisions need to be swiftly made at Arsenal, as they kick-off their pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Singapore on 19 July.
Gyokeres, who has netted 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting since joining from Coventry City in August 2023, has made it clear on social media platforms that he no longer wishes to play for the Portuguese giants.
If the deal with Arsenal does not materialise, being loaned out to one of the clubs he snubbed to pursue his dream of joining Arsenal is on the cards.
Juve play waiting game
Juventus and Manchester United will be closely monitoring his situation, ready to snap up the lethal marksmen.
If a loan rather than a permanent move materializes for Gyokeres, he will be following in the footsteps of former Juventus target Victor Osimhen.
Deals fell through at the last minute for the Napoli goal machine at Al-Ahli FC and Chelsea, with Osimhen sent on a highly successful season-long loan to Galatasaray.
It could be Juve's gain if the Gyokeres deal to Arsenal doesn't materialize, and the glory days of free-scoring Juventus could return with the Swede alongside David upfront to torment Serie A defences.