Striker Muani, who is an outcast at Paris Saint-Germain, believed that he had joined Juventus last week. He discovered to his horror that the offer had to be scrapped, because the French champions already had reached their maximum quota of six players loaned out abroad.
This matter has been resolved according to various French media outlets. They have claimed that left-back Juan Bernat has left Paris Saint-Germain by mutual consent, and reported that as a free agent he has signed a new six-month loan at Spanish side Villarreal.
The news allows Juventus to go ahead and register for Muani. If the paperwork can be rushed through, Muani could feature in time for Saturday’s showdown with league leaders Napoli. Antonio Conte’s side sit 13 points ahead of fifth-placed Juventus in Serie A.
Juve head coach Thiago Motta will no doubt be eager to throw the French international forward straight into league action, having overseen Muani in recent training while waiting for the green light from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Parisians will take a hefty loss on Muani having forked out €80 million (US$83m) in September 2023, having lured the hot-shot forward on a five-year deal from German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt. This campaign has seen Muani out-of-favour, bagging just two goals from 14 appearances.
When Muani signs on loan for Juventus for the second time in a week, there’s an obligation to buy the French international for €60m (US$61.5m). This expensive clause put off a string of English Premier League sides that included Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Motta has identified Muani as the answer to his striking problems. Lack of goals this term is partly down to his tactics that makes build-up play too predictable.
Dusan Vlahovic, Juventus’ top scorer this season with a dozen goals — five from the penalty spot — across all competitions this term, is struggling for form. His last goal was during the 4-0 home thrashing of Cagliari.
The Serbian striker has yet to start in 2025, but could leave the club with Arsenal and Chelsea monitoring his availability.
Juventus fans are understandably becoming increasingly frustrated by their team’s lack of cutting edge, which is also worrying the hierarchy of the boardroom.
There is clearly a problem in attack. The Bianconeri have hit just 34 goals from 21 Serie A matches, and only found the back of the net nine times in seven Champions League games.
The acquisition of Muani would be a massive boost for Motta, with his squad ravaged by injuries.
Juventus have become draw specialists this season, producing 13 draws in 21 league games, but Muani’s goal-scoring prowess could soon turn a single point into maximum points.