This summer’s transfer window has not gone as smoothly as expected for the Bianconeri due to their financial plight, and being unable to offload players that are not part of Igor Tudor’s plans.
Head coach started eight players who are on the transfer list against the Juventus Next Gen this week, with midfielder Douglas Luiz and striker Dusan Vlahovic impressing.
There could be a U-turn about Vlahovic, who also scored in the pre-season friendly against Serie B minnows AC Reggiana. Especially as new center forward Jonathan David has yet to net in three short appearances for Juve, and Kolo Muani’s move from Paris Saint-Germain has yet to get over the line.
World Cup winner Gonzalez, who arrived last season from Fiorentina with an obligation to buy, is actively seeking a new European club. If the Bianconeri can sell the attacking winger, who is renowned for scoring and setting up goals, this summer they would need someone of his quality.
LOSC Lille’s Edon Zhegrova, who has long been on the radar of a plethora of English and Italian top tier teams, would fit the bill. He has scored 26 goals in 107 appearances for the French side.
His Lille deal expires next June, and he has already informed the club’s hierarchy that he will not renew his contract. The outfit will be eager to cash in this summer rather than lose him as a free agent.
De Zerbi could ruin Juve's plans
Yet former Juventus managerial target Roberto De Zerbi could scupper Juve and see the Kosovo international switch Ligue 1 clubs with a move to Olympique Marseille.
The French team recently signed Timothy Weah from Juventus, on a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to buy, and would propose the same sort of deal for Zhegrova.
Lille coach Bruno Genesio has not has Zhegrova training with the rest of his first team squad, which indicates that a move is imminent.
The 26-year-old, who offers versatility because he can play on either flank or as a right midfielder, is also linked with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
Lille have slapped a minimum asking price of €15 million (US$17.5m), but may contemplate a loan with an obligation to purchase.
Atletico double deal for Juventus aces
Napoli could renew their interest, especially if Juventus stall their interest as they wait for Gonzalez to be sold to Atletico. The Spanish giants are looking at landing both Gonzalez and Vlahovic in a double deal.
Atletico's interest also alerted Barcelona to bag a bargain as top-notch center-forwards with a proven scoring record are not easy to unearth.
Yet Vlahovic’s ability to find the back of the net, even during his recent uncertainty, has meant that Tudor may not wish to relinquish Juve’s top scorer over the past three seasons.
More firepower, from the arrival of Zhegrova if Gonzalez leaves, is imperative as their lack of creating scoring chances has been a blatant flaw.