Juventus are looking at Manchester United outcast Joshua Zirkzee as an ideal alternative to Crystal Palace ace Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Juventus are keen on reinforcing their squad in the ongoing transfer window. They are looking for more firepower in the final third and want to bring in a top striker to bolster Luciano Spalletti’s team.
Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta is their priority target for the number nine position, but according to a report from TEAMtalk, the Eagles also have their eyes on Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee in case they fail to land the French international.
Palace find themselves in deep waters, as the results are not going their way, skipper Marc Guehi has left the club, and Oliver Glasner has confirmed that he will leave at the end of the season. Juventus are looking to make the most out of their current situation and strike a deal for their star striker Mateta, who has 12 goal contributions in the ongoing campaign.
Since the 28-year-old hasn’t penned a new deal and his current contract runs out in 2027, the Old Lady are pushing hard to strike a deal for his services. While Mateta seems interested in a move to Italy, Palace are reluctant to let him go for now.
Juventus are keeping tabs on Zirkzee
Spalletti’s team are aware that signing Mateta won’t be that straightforward; as a result, they already have a plan B in place. They are looking at Manchester United’s Zirkzee as an ideal alternative.
While things haven’t worked out for him at Old Trafford, there is a belief that he can get back to his best with a return to Italy, given what he did at Bologna back in the day. Roma have already failed with an attempt to sign him this month.
As a result, signing the 24-year-old will also not be that easy, even though the Dutch international is keen on a new challenge. While he picked up a knock ahead of the derby against Manchester City, the injury isn’t serious enough to hinder a potential transfer.
Since he has only had limited game time so far, a move away could actually help his career. But it will depend on what plans Michael Carrick has for him.
