Juve have reignited interest in Bayern Munich ace Leon Goretzeka, but have a battle on their hands to prise the established Germany international during January's transfer slot.
The midfield maestro's contract with the Bundesliga champions expires next summer, when the 30-year-old will become a free agent.
With Juventus off the pace in Serie A, and the top four teams of AC Milan, AS Roma, Inter Milan and Napoli all chasing the Scudetto, then the Bianconeri urgently need to strengthen their squad.
Milan shotstopper Mike Maignan, a plethora of defenders, a couple of midfielders and a trio of strikers including the legendary Neymar have all recently been associated with Juve.
Goretzka is the fallen Italian giant's latest target as the club bid to hunt down a top four finish, which earns a place in the coveted Champions League next season. The leading quartet of teams seems to already be sealed so early in the campaign, with surprise package Bologna also in the mix.
Juve have to tackle a trio of highflying rivals before Christmas. A trip to defending champions Napoli is not as daunting as it appears on paper, as Antonio Conte's squad is severely injury-ravaged. A visit to Bologna should be tricky, before Roma enter the cauldron of the Allianz Stadium on 20 December.
Champions League is Juve's goal
After these three tough games, Juventus face struggling Serie A sides so should start piling up the points with aplomb. Nevertheless, the Bianconeri also wish to navigate their way into the knockout stages of the highly lucrative Champions League.
Juve have three Champions League ties remaining, against Pafos, Benfica and Paul Pogba's AS Monaco. Bringing in a player of Goretzka's experience and calibre should lift the entire squad.
Goretzka is on the wanted list for a January move by both Turkish heavyweights Fenerbahce and Juventus. The two clubs are expected to table a bid of €10 million (US$11.6m), despite potentially being able to land the 67-capped German international for nothing next summer.
Yet according to a German article in Sport Bild, Bayern boss Vincent Kompany has ruled out a winter transfer and would not be tempted by a reasonable offer.
As publication also stated that Bayern are focused on rejuvenating their midfield, there appears to be no sign of a contract extension being made for Goretzka. Should he decide to renew his deal, he would have to accept a wage reduction, which opens the doors for Juventus to swoop on a player that Max Allegri wanted to sign when he was the Bianconeri boss.