Juventus tested the waters for Dries Mertens, but the striker isn’t keen on joining due to his bond with Napoli, and the Bianconeri are looking at other offensive targets, as for instance Filip Kostic. They are willing to put on the table €5M net for the Belgian striker, but he doesn’t want to betray his former team, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs.
With Moise Kean still in town, the Old Lady are considering using the small budget at their disposal for a pure winger. West Ham were close to signing the Serb a week ago. But he’s buying time to see whether he could move to Serie A instead.
Kostic has just a year on his contract and could transfer for a low fee, although Juventus haven’t seriously gone after him yet despite the links. They are plotting to offer €8/10M, while Eintracht Frankfurt ask for €12/15M.
The 29-year-old would welcome a switch to the Bianconeri, also for the opportunity to play with his compatriot Dusan Vlahovic. The Old Lady is also tracking Luis Muriel, Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay for the role. Instead, Timo Werner will probably return to RB Leipzig, Sky Sports informs. As for Mertens, he has offers from Galatasaray, Salernitana and a couple more foreign teams, Alfredo Pedullà relays.
Excl: Barcelona and Memphis Depay lawyers are in negotiations to reach an agreement on free agency. No way for €20m fee. Depay will accept to leave Barça only in case he’ll find the right option for his future. ? #FCB
Memphis Depay will only consider top clubs. pic.twitter.com/COFSiHdXBL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2022
Our Take on Juventus, Mertens and Kostic
It would be very odd to see him in the black-and-white jersey, and the tactical fit would have been even weirder, although their 4-3-3 isn’t set in stone. Kean helps with the lists as a club-grown player, and they’re unlikely to find somebody better for cheap. The left wing is a much bigger priority, and the Eintracht ace would be a fantastic addition at those numbers.
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