Juventus are reportedly preparing a major squad shake-up this summer as they seek to finance a big-money move for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres a player also linked with Premier League clubs Manchester United and Arsenal.
Gyokeres, 27, has enjoyed a phenomenal rise since joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023. The Swedish international scored 54 goals and provided 13 assists in 52 appearances last season, and his form has attracted widespread attention across Europe.
While Manchester United and Arsenal have been long-time admirers, Gyokeres is said to have declined a move to Old Trafford, despite the opportunity to reunite with former coach Ruben Amorim.
That decision appears to hand Arsenal an advantage but Juventus have now emerged as serious contenders.
Juventus have informed Gyokeres’s camp they are ready to meet his £11 million-per-year salary request. However, to afford Sporting’s €80 million price tag (€70m upfront, €10m in bonuses), the Italian club must first generate significant income through player sales.
To fund the Gyokeres deal, Juventus are planning to offload as many as eight players. Among those reportedly on the chopping block are:
Dusan Vlahovic – Despite finishing as Juve’s top scorer with 15 goals last season, the Serbian forward could be sold before his contract enters its final year.
Douglas Luiz – Signed just a year ago from Aston Villa, the Brazilian midfielder is no longer in Igor Tudor’s plans.
Lloyd Kelly – Recently secured permanently from Newcastle, the English defender may be flipped for profit.
Arkadiusz Milik, Filip Kostic, Mattia Perin, Daniele Rugani, and Samuel Mbangula – All are considered surplus to requirements and expected to leave.
Combined, the sales of Vlahovic and Luiz alone could bring in around €60 million, bringing Juve significantly closer to funding their Gyokeres pursuit.
While Juventus finished fourth in Serie A last season, they haven’t lifted the Scudetto since 2020, which could make a move to Turin less appealing than one to a title-contending club like Arsenal.
However, Juve’s ambition to revamp the squad under new coach Igor Tudor and their willingness to make Gyokeres the focal point of their attack could tempt the Swede.
In case a deal doesn’t go through, Juventus are also keeping tabs on other striking options such as Victor Osimhen, Jonathan David, and Randal Kolo Muani, who spent last season on loan at the club from Paris Saint-Germain.
With the summer transfer window heating up, all eyes will be on whether Juventus can raise the required funds and if Gyokeres will be persuaded to join their project over a Premier League move. Either way, the striker’s future looks set to spark more headlines in the weeks ahead.
