Juventus’ hunt for a new striker continues to gather momentum, with the Bianconeri carefully weighing multiple options as they look to reinforce their attack in the current transfer window.
While Jean-Phillippe Mateta remains the club’s primary target for the number nine role, Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has emerged as a name under close consideration should negotiations with Crystal Palace fail to reach an agreement.
As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio , Juventus have intensified talks with Palace regarding Mateta, with discussions centred on a loan deal that would include a guaranteed obligation to buy.
The French International is viewed as a profile capable of offering a domineering physical presence and reliability in the box, with contacts ongoing between the clubs and player’s representatives.
However, Juventus are not willing to place all their eggs in one basket. As a result, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee has been identified as a contingency plan. While the Dutch striker offers a different skill set to their primary target, Juventus believe the Dutch striker is an alternative worth serious consideration.
Zirkzee’s situation has already attracted strong interest from Serie A, with AS Roma closely monitoring his availability as previously reported. Juventus’ interest further underscores how highly regarded the 24-year-old remains in Italy, particularly as his future at Manchester United is still uncertain.
For Juventus, the idea is not to rush into a secondary option, but to remain prepared should a deal for Mateta fail to materialize in the end.
Fenerbahce striker Youssef En-Nesyri is also among the names being discussed internally, adding further depth to the Bianconeri’s shortlist of attacking options.
For now, Mateta remains the priority, but Zirkzee’s name is being held firmly. With interest from multiple clubs growing, the coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether Juventus’s striker search leads them back to Crystal Palace or opens a familiar new path towards Manchester.
