Cristiano Giuntoli has a problem on his hands, and it's the sort of problem that keeps a sporting director awake at night. With Dusan Vlahovic looking...
Cristiano Giuntoli has a problem on his hands, and it's the sort of problem that keeps a sporting director awake at night. With Dusan Vlahovic looking increasingly isolated in Thiago Motta's system and Arkadiusz Milik's fitness a persistent concern, Juventus have made no secret of their need for a proper number nine. The latest dispatch from GoalZaza confirms that the Bianconeri have thrown a bid at Atletico Madrid for Alexander Sorloth, only for Diego Simeone's side to wave it away with a firm hand. The Norwegian powerhouse, who spent last season on loan at Villarreal and reminded everyone of his brute strength and aerial ability, remains a target, but Atletico are in no mood to let him go cheaply.Juventus, however, are not a club that takes no for an answer without first checking every other option in the room. GoalZaza understands that the Turin hierarchy have now made enquiries for not one but two Premier League strikers: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal and Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea. It is a fascinating pair of profiles, almost a case study in contrasting styles. Jesus, when fit, offers a relentless pressing game and the sort of clever link play that Motta craves, a forward who drops deep and drags defenders out of shape. Jackson, on the other hand, is raw pace and chaotic energy, a runner in behind who can stretch a low block to breaking point. Both are imperfect. Both are intriguing.There is, of course, the small matter of price. Arsenal paid £45 million for Jesus and see him as a key part of their rotation, even if his goal tally has never quite matched his influence. Chelsea, meanwhile, invested heavily in Jackson last summer and, despite his inconsistencies in front of goal, his movement and work rate have made him a favourite under Mauricio Pochettino. Could either club really part with a striker in January Or are Juventus simply testing the water, seeing if financial realities or a player's desire for a new challenge might force a deal The Old Lady has been burned before by expensive flops from abroad, but the urgency of their search suggests they are willing to take a calculated risk.What makes this saga particularly gripping is the tactical headache it presents for Motta. Does he want a target man to hold up play and bring his midfield runners into the game, a specialist in the Sorloth mould Or does he prefer a mobile, flexible forward who can interchange with Federico Chiesa and Kenan Yildiz The answer, as any seasoned observer of Serie A will tell you, depends on the opponent. Against a packed defence, Jesus or Jackson might provide the spark; in a game of transitional chaos, Sorloth's physicality could be the key. Juventus are gambling on versatility, but they must first find a club willing to sell. The transfer window is still open, but the clock is ticking in Turin.One thing is certain: Giuntoli is not a man to panic. He will weigh the options, test the resolve of Atletico, Arsenal, and Chelsea, and then make his move. For the fans, it's a tense wait. For the rest of us, it's compelling football theatre. The Sorloth bid may have failed, but the hunt for a striker is far from over.
