Juventus are facing challenges ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash with Aston Villa, as star striker Dusan Vlahovic and midfielder Douglas Luiz have both been ruled out due to injuries. Meanwhile, Juventus are locked in a fierce battle with Inter Milan for Lille’s Jonathan David, who has impressed with seven goals in Ligue 1 and four in the Champions League this season. Both Serie A giants are vying to secure the 24-year-old’s signature, with Juventus hoping his ties to Timothy Weah and Inter relying on fellow Canadian Tajon Buchanan to influence his decision.
Juventus Rule Out Vlahovic and Luiz for Aston Villa
Juventus provide fitness update on star striker Dusan Vlahovic ahead of Champions League clash with Aston Villa.
Unai Emery’s Villa will welcome Serie A giants Juventus to Villa Park next Wednesday night (8 pm) for their upcoming Champions League group-stage match. Juventus were worried when Dusan Vlahovic, who has netted nine goals in 16 games this season, seemed to pick up an injury while playing for Serbia in a Nations League match against Denmark on Monday night.
Vlahovic had to be substituted in the final minutes of a goalless draw due to a muscle issue. After the match, he spoke about the injury, saying, “I felt pain in my thigh; I couldn’t finish the match. I’m sorry. I’ll see what the situation is after the inspection in Turin.”
Juventus has now issued a statement: “Following the left thigh muscle discomfort felt yesterday with his national team, Dusan Vlahovic underwent diagnostic tests today at J|Medical. The tests ruled out injuries, and his condition will be monitored daily.”
According to the Italian outlet Calciomercato, former Villa player Douglas Luiz is racing against the clock to prove his fitness before the Champions League match against Villa. The Brazilian has missed Juventus’ last six games across all competitions due to muscle fatigue.
Jonathan David: Inter and Juventus Vie for Lille Striker’s Signature
Juventus are up against strong competition from Serie A rivals Inter in the race to sign Jonathan David, with both clubs eager to secure the Lille striker next summer.
The 24-year-old’s contract runs out in June 2025, but he’s already in discussions with the Ligue 1 club about a new deal. The proposed contract would include a manageable release clause of around €20-30m, allowing the club to profit from his sale instead of losing him on a free transfer.
David recently revealed in an interview with The Athletic that Barcelona has always been his boyhood club and playing for them would be a dream. However, Inter and Juventus are still the frontrunners, having already held talks with his agent, Nick Mavromaras, to discuss the terms of a possible transfer.
Inter and Juventus Compete for Jonathan David: Latest Developments
According to Tuttosport, the agent of the Canada international informed sporting directors Piero Ausilio and Cristiano Giuntoli that a €6m annual salary, along with a substantial signing bonus and commission, would be required to secure the player’s signature.
Both clubs are strategizing to gain an advantage in the race for the striker. Inter is using his fellow Canadian, Tajon Buchanan, to apply pressure on their target, while Juventus is hoping that his strong bond with Timothy Weah will influence his decision, swaying him to join the Bianconeri.
David has netted seven goals in 11 Ligue 1 matches this season, along with four goals in as many Champions League appearances, including one against Juventus in their 1-1 draw away to Lille.
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