Key Takeaways:
- Luciano Spalletti remains dissatisfied with only two new Juventus signings so far this summer
- The coach expects at least five more arrivals for the 2026-27 campaign, including two centre-forwards to replace Dusan Vlahovic
- Juventus have yet to finalise several major transfer targets and continue to explore options in attack, midfield, defence, and in goal
Transfer Movement Stalls Despite Urgent Rebuild Needs
Reports on Thursday indicate growing tension at Juventus, with manager Luciano Spalletti increasingly frustrated by the club’s slow progress in the transfer market. Despite a clear intention to overhaul the squad following last season’s sixth-place Serie A finish, significant change has yet to materialise. So far, Juventus have added just two new faces: free transfer acquisition Zeki Celik, the former Roma full-back, and teenager Jeff Ekhator from Genoa, who is now sidelined for around three weeks due to injury.
‼️ 🇫🇷 Talks are continuing between Juventus and PSG over Randal Kolo Muani. The parties are currently discussing the transfer fee and the percentage of any future resale. The Parisians are hoping to explore other options, but Juve are not giving up, and spurred on by the… pic.twitter.com/bLDWN4xXKY
— JuveFC (@juvefcdotcom) July 22, 2026
Centre-Forward Search Intensifies After Vlahovic’s Departure
With Dusan Vlahovic leaving at the end of his contract on 30 June, reshaping the frontline has become an urgent priority. According to Sportingpedia sources, Spalletti is holding out for at least five new signings prior to the 2026-27 season, including two options at centre-forward. Negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for French international Randal Kolo Muani continue, with Juventus reportedly prepared to raise their initial €40m bid to finalise the transfer.
Additional targets being explored include Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee, potentially on loan, and Parma’s Mateo Pellegrino on a permanent basis. Tottenham’s Richarlison has also emerged as an external possibility to strengthen the attack.
Squad Strengthening Extends Beyond Attack
As well as bolstering options up front, Spalletti is also keen to reinforce other areas of the squad. The need for a new first-choice goalkeeper has been highlighted following Michele Di Gregorio’s expected departure. However, negotiations for both Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and Liverpool’s Alisson Becker have stalled. Alternatives under consideration include Parma’s Zion Suzuki and Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario.
There are further claims that Spalletti would like to see one more midfielder and an additional left-sided defender recruited before the campaign starts. Reintegration of Douglas Luiz into the squad appears increasingly likely.
Training Limitations and Absences
Exactly one month out from the opening match of the Serie A season, Spalletti faces a depleted group during training. He reportedly considers only three or four players current ‘starters’ – namely Manuel Locatelli, Andrea Cambiaso, Pierre Kalulu, with possibly Zeki Celik or Lloyd Kelly added to that list.
Kenan Yildiz and Khephren Thuram are still engaged in individual recovery work following fitness setbacks at the close of last season. Elsewhere, Gleison Bremer, Weston McKennie, and Francisco Conceicao are on extended holiday breaks after participating in the 2026 World Cup.
Outlook and Club Dynamics
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Spalletti has made his concerns clear to some squad members in recent days, telling them: ‘I will still be here, but a lot of you won’t’. Despite the current difficulties, the club’s hierarchy remains supportive of CEO Giovanni Carnevali, who is now under increased pressure to accelerate transfer business in both directions. However, Spalletti’s patience is evidently wearing thin as preparations for the forthcoming campaign stall amid a lack of decisive player arrivals and departures.
