The summer transfer window of 2025 is drawing to a close, and for Juventus, what began as a seemingly straightforward pursuit of Randal Kolo Muani has morphed into a high-stakes poker game. With just days left until the market `gong,` the Bianconeri find themselves in a frantic search for attacking reinforcements, as their primary target slips further away.
The Elusive “Done Deal” for Kolo Muani
For weeks, Juventus and their supporters were confident that Randal Kolo Muani would be donning the famous black and white stripes. The French international, currently with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), reportedly expressed a strong desire to join the Turin giants, and a good relationship between the clubs seemed to pave the way for a smooth transfer.
As Damien Comolli, a key figure in the negotiations, confidently stated in late July, “Kolo Muani wants to play with us again; we are working on it.” Such pronouncements often precede an official announcement, not a deadlock. Yet, here we are, less than ten days from the transfer deadline, and the situation has taken an unexpected turn.
PSG`s High-Stakes Game: A Battle of Figures
Juventus` offer for Kolo Muani was a structured deal: a substantial loan fee of €10 million, followed by an option or obligation to buy for €35-40 million plus bonuses in 2026. This package, totaling around €50 million, was deemed “congruous” by the Bianconeri hierarchy, even receiving the blessing of John Elkann, regardless of Dusan Vlahovic`s future at the club.
However, PSG, despite reportedly considering Kolo Muani expendable, has decided to play hardball. The Parisian club is now demanding a staggering €60-70 million for the striker. This sudden escalation in price has brought negotiations to a grinding halt. Juventus finds itself at a crossroads: either meet the exorbitant demands or, more likely, walk away. The club`s initial optimism has given way to a palpable sense of pessimism.
Igor Tudor`s Vision and the Missing Piece
Coach Igor Tudor had specifically identified Kolo Muani as the final piece to complete his offensive puzzle. Not a traditional “number nine” (given the presence of Dusan Vlahovic and recent acquisition Jonathan David), but a versatile attacker capable of playing centrally and on the wing—precisely the profile Kolo Muani offers. The initial confidence in securing him meant Juventus hadn`t seriously explored a “Plan B.”
Now, with the Kolo Muani deal teetering on the brink, Juventus must recalibrate its entire strategy. The focus remains on acquiring a similar profile: a dynamic forward who can adapt to multiple attacking roles. The ideal scenario would involve a loan with an option or obligation to buy, balancing immediate reinforcement with financial prudence.
The Scramble for Alternatives: Who`s on “Plan B”?
As the clock ticks down, the transfer market`s inherent chaos comes to the fore. Juventus is now casting a wider net, with several intriguing names emerging as potential alternatives to Kolo Muani:
- Lois Openda (RB Leipzig): A promising option, but Leipzig may be reluctant to sell after already losing Benjamin Sesko. He represents a direct replacement for the qualities Kolo Muani possesses.
- Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea): Reportedly offered to Juventus, Nkunku`s versatility and goal-scoring prowess are undeniable. However, his injury record and Chelsea`s potential asking price could be significant hurdles.
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta): A long-time target, but Lookman`s cost and Atalanta`s reluctance to sell a key player make him a difficult acquisition, as Inter Milan previously discovered.
- Rasmus Hojlund (Atalanta?): Another promising talent, but he is heavily linked with Napoli, making a move to Turin unlikely.
- Edon Zhegrova (Lille): Juventus was already monitoring Zhegrova as an option in case Nico Gonzalez was sold. While Lille`s president has expressed a desire to keep him, he remains on the radar.
- Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea): Previously scouted before the acquisition of Jonathan David, Jackson is reportedly close to Aston Villa, but could be a last-minute target if other options fail.
The Clock is Ticking: A High-Stakes Conclusion
The final days of the transfer window are notoriously unpredictable, often marked by last-minute deals, surprising turns, and the occasional strategic retreat. Juventus` predicament with Kolo Muani is a classic example of how quickly a “sure thing” can unravel.
The pressure is on the Bianconeri`s sporting director to deliver a player who not only fits Tudor`s tactical vision but also makes financial sense in an increasingly inflated market. Whether they can pull a rabbit out of the hat or are forced to compromise, the next few days will undoubtedly define Juventus` attacking strength for the upcoming season. It seems the “long summer” of negotiations is set for a dramatic, rather than a serene, conclusion.
