With a clamour from European giants all plotting to sign Victor Osimhen during the summer, the initial approaches from Bianconeri have been declined.
The 26-year-old’s price tag has severely plummeted from a year ago, with his €75 million (US$82.1m) release clause able to be triggered in the summer.
His salary demands on top of the fee has already put off Barcelona, but not leading runaway Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United lead the chase to secure Osimhen’s signature when the transfer window opens.
Osimhen is thriving under ex-Inter Milan head coach Jose Mourinho at Galatasaray, but Napoli are seeking to cash in on their goal machine with a permanent move anticipated during the next transfer window.
Kolo Muani appears likely to return to PSG when his short-term with Juve expires at the end of June. The French international is interesting Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. The fact that Juventus showed serious interest in Osimhen means that out-of-form Muani probably does not feature in their plans.
Vlahovic favoured by Tudor
Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic is also on Newcastle’s radar, although could be part of a swap deal involving former AC Milan ace Sandro Tonali.
Yet Juve are keen to negotiate talks with Serbia striker Vlahovic about extending his contract, which is set to expire at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, as he is attracting Premier League teams.
He is the highest paid Serie A player, earning a staggering €12m (US$13.15m) salary per season. Talks have not kicked off as Juventus have indicated that they would offer him a reduced wage.
Permanent manager uncertainty
Vlahovic is waiting for reassurance about who will become the next permanent head coach, as he doesn’t want a repeat of his recent experience having fallen out of favour during the ill-fated nine months of Project Motta.
The 25-year-old was handed just a single Serie A game this calendar year by Thiago Motta and, despite bagging a spectacular winner against Cagliari, was continually overlooked.
Vlahovic would have been delighted that Igor Tudor has taken the reins for nine Serie A matches, with Juventus aiming to secure a Champions League berth by finishing in the top four.
Former assistant Juve manager Tudor is an avid fan of Vlahovic, and considers him to be the top striker in the Italian top tier. He has publicly stated that he believes Vlahovic to be better than Osimhen.
Should Tudor succeed in his quest to earn a place in Europe’s leading club competition, then the Croatian will enter negotiations with the club hierarchy about tackling next year’s campaign as their permanent head coach. Vlahovic should then be more interested in playing under a manager that has every faith in him.
Osimhen is wary that Tudor could potentially stay at Juventus and, after Tudor’s public comments, wouldn’t want to play second fiddle to Vlahovic.
Falling down the pecking order
The Bianconeri also have emerging talent Kenan Yildiz. It is anticipated that the Turkish teenager will make the same sort of impact at the club as legendary Juve hot-shot Alessandro Del Piero.
With the deadly duo of Yildiz and Vlahovic expected to bang in the goals, and attacker Samuel Mbangula also set to be unleashed, a Juve move could possibly leave Osimhen as a highly-paid bit-part player with the Turin titans.
Should Juventus try to lure their ex-head coach Antonio Conte back in the summer, Osimhen could ultimately be sent out on loan. Conte surprisingly excluded the striker from his Serie A squad list this season.
Soaring at Galatasaray
Osimhen promptly entered talks with Al-Ahli, Chelsea and PSG, but personal terms broke down. When Galatasaray made an approach, the attacker was sold by Mourinho’s enthusiasm and goals. He joined for a season-long loan that is costing the Turkish giants €6m ($6.6m), yet he has repaid Galatasaray with his speed, strength and goals.
If Mourinho, who has been touted as a future Juve head coach by club investor Paolo Ardoino, is tempted to join the Bianconeri then maybe Osimhen would follow the Portuguese serial winner to Turin.
Yet there’s also a drawback for Juventus being a potential suitor for Osimhen, the fact that he had helped their bitter rivals Napoli win the 2022/23 Scudetto.
The Juventus Ultras are unforgiving fans who have very high expectations, and they would soon be on his back if things weren’t running smoothly.