Juventus step up Sorloth pursuit as Kenan Yildiz faces three months out
Juventus have been forced to reassess their plans for the final week of the transfer window after Kenan Yildiz's foot injury proved more serious than initially hoped.
The Turkey international is expected to require surgery and could be sidelined for around three months, dealing Luciano Spalletti an early blow just one game into the new Serie A campaign. Yildiz has developed into one of the central figures in Juventus' attack and his absence inevitably increases the pressure on the club to strengthen before the market closes.
The Turin side were already looking for another centre-forward and have now returned to Alexander Sorloth, with talks over the Atlético Madrid striker back on the agenda. Joshua Zirkzee, whose future at Manchester United remains uncertain, is another name under consideration.
Sorloth moves back up Juventus' shortlist
Sorloth offers a markedly different profile from most of Juventus' existing forwards. The Norway international would give Spalletti a physical reference point in the penalty area and a player capable of occupying centre-backs, while allowing the players around him greater freedom between the lines.
Reaching an agreement with Atlético remains the main obstacle. The Spanish club are under no pressure to sell cheaply and Juventus must also manage the final departures from a squad that has already undergone substantial changes during the summer.
Zirkzee represents an alternative rather than an identical option. The Dutch forward is more inclined to drop away from the penalty area and participate in the build-up, which would give Juventus a different tactical solution should an agreement for Sorloth prove impossible.
Yildiz injury changes the deadline-day picture
Before the injury, Juventus could afford to approach the final days of the window with greater patience. That position has changed. Yildiz's ability to create chances, carry the ball and operate across the attacking line is difficult to replace with one player.
The question for Juventus is therefore no longer simply whether another forward would improve the squad, but how quickly they can compensate for the loss of one of their most important attacking players.
The club are also working on Franck Kessie for midfield, meaning sporting director Frederic Massara faces several interconnected decisions before the deadline. For the moment, however, reinforcing Spalletti's attack has become increasingly urgent.
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