Paris Saint-Germain isn`t keen on another loan for Kolo Muani, who is also on Chelsea`s radar. Meanwhile, Juventus is exploring options for Victor Osimhen, with new talks underway to develop a transfer strategy.
While Juventus players are on holiday after the Club World Cup in the United States, the transfer market remains active. The squad is set to regroup at Continassa in late July to start preparations for the new season. During this period, Damien Comolli, Juventus`s new general director, is focused on reinforcing the team`s attack. Comolli, previously president of Toulouse and brought in to revitalize the club, has already secured Jonathan David, the Canadian forward from Lille on a free transfer. However, he is not stopping there. Comolli is pursuing two main targets: Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker long admired by Juventus and with whom former director Cristiano Giuntoli (who signed him for Napoli) maintains a good relationship; and Randal Kolo Muani, the French forward who spent the last six months on loan at Juventus from Paris Saint-Germain and will return to Paris unless a new deal is struck.
Juve and Osimhen: The `Decreto Crescita` Advantage
Adding Osimhen to Jonathan David would be a significant boost for Juventus, a team that struggled with goalscoring last season. The Nigerian international, currently owned by Napoli (a club notoriously difficult to negotiate with), has been a primary target for the Bianconeri for months, and the player has already agreed to the move. The main hurdle is the cost, particularly the transfer fee rather than the salary. Osimhen has a €75 million release clause and a net salary of €9 million. However, his salary benefits from Italy`s `Decreto Crescita` (Growth Decree) tax advantages, which significantly reduce the gross cost for the club. Kolo Muani, on the other hand, is an operation Juventus hopes to extend via another loan, potentially with a buyout clause set for 2026. He earns approximately €7 million but does not benefit from the same tax breaks as Osimhen, making his gross cost higher for Juventus.
Juventus Transfer Market: The Kolo Muani or Osimhen Crossroads
Naturally, having both players simultaneously is financially unfeasible for Juventus, a club that has focused on controlling its wage bill in recent years. Their salaries would add to David`s €6 million and Dusan Vlahovic`s €12 million (assuming Vlahovic stays, which he currently seems set on doing). Consequently, the current transfer focus is a choice between Nigeria and France. If Osimhen is signed, Juventus would likely have to abandon efforts for Kolo Muani, unless PSG agrees to a non-obligatory loan and the player accepts a substantial pay cut.
Kolo Muani: Is Chelsea Competing with Juve?
Comolli is keeping options open for both players, aiming to avoid a situation where Juventus signs neither. Regarding Osimhen, the personal terms with the player are reportedly agreed; the striker is ready to move to Turin. However, the challenging part involves negotiating with Napoli. Osimhen`s €75 million release clause expires in mid-July. Juventus has reportedly asked Osimhen to wait, hoping this will create an opportunity to negotiate a lower fee directly with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis. For Kolo Muani, discussions with PSG have been ongoing, but Chelsea`s reported interest threatens to complicate matters. Kolo Muani repeatedly expressed his happiness and desire to stay in Turin during the Club World Cup, but his future ultimately rests with PSG. While PSG is open to finding a solution for the player, they are also evaluating market offers. The French club prefers a permanent transfer over another loan, which would delay a final sale until next summer. Chelsea`s potential entry could disrupt Juventus`s plan for a non-obligatory loan, as the English club might be willing to offer a more substantial deal.
