Juventus Target Premier League Striker Mateta for Attack Revamp
Juventus have zeroed in on a very specific profile for Luciano Spalletti’s attack: a powerful, penalty-box centre-forward who can give the Bianconeri a more direct edge next season.
According to reports from Italy, the club have cast their net across the Premier League, with sporting director Frederic Massara leading a targeted search rather than a scattergun trawl. Joshua Zirkzee has been studied and appreciated, but Juve are working through several options as they look for the right physical presence to complement their existing forwards.
Mateta back to the forefront
Into that picture has stepped Jean-Philippe Mateta.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that the Crystal Palace striker has pushed himself firmly back into Juventus’ thoughts after offering his services to the club. The Frenchman, under contract at Selhurst Park until June 2027, is understood to be open to a new challenge following the recent managerial change in south London.
Juventus are tracking his situation carefully. Mateta’s frame, hold-up play and penalty-box instincts fit the brief Spalletti and Massara have drawn up, and his apparent willingness to move only sharpens the focus on him. He is now viewed as a major candidate as the club weigh their final moves of the window.
Young forwards on the radar
Mateta is not the only name on the list.
Juve have been following a cluster of young European forwards as they look to deepen their attacking options and add competition across the front line. Among those monitored are Nottingham Forest’s Arnaud Kalimuendo and Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade, both of whom are attracting interest from other top clubs, including Napoli.
These are profiles for the present and the future: mobile, developing strikers who could grow under Spalletti while offering immediate depth. The interest is real, but the room for manoeuvre is tight.
Sales must come first
That room is defined by two hard limits: finances and squad spots.
Balancing the books and keeping within the club’s internal parameters remains non-negotiable before any serious push for a new No. 9. Juventus need to create both space in the dressing room and flexibility on the balance sheet before Massara can commit to a major attacking addition.
At the heart of that equation lies one key outgoing. The departure of Canadian forward Jonathan David is described as essential before Juve can move decisively for a new striker. His exit would free up salary, a place in the squad and, crucially, funds to reinvest in the frontline.
The clock is ticking. As the transfer window moves into its final stretch, Juventus know their ability to unlock those outgoing deals will decide whether Mateta, or any of the other names on their shortlist, walks out at the Allianz Stadium in black and white this season.
