Report: €45m Deal Targeted as Juventus Rush to Fend Off United Interest | OneFootball

Juventus Eye Kolo Muani Deal Amid Manchester United Interest

French Forward Caught in Transfer Tug of War

Juventus are working urgently to secure the permanent signing of Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Serie A giants are keen to build on the strong relationship forged with the French striker during his recent six-month loan in Turin, but Manchester United’s reported interest is adding pressure to get the deal over the line.

“Partly because of Manchester United’s dangerous moves… these are good reasons to shift gears,” the article states, pointing to United’s increasing presence in the transfer conversation, especially after their top target Viktor Gyökeres opted for Arsenal. With United circling, Juventus are feeling the heat to act fast.

Comolli Steps Up to Secure Signature

Juventus general manager Damien Comolli is expected to raise his offer to PSG next week, with hopes of satisfying both the club and head coach Igor Tudor. Tudor, initially sceptical of Kolo Muani, has since made the 26-year-old one of his key priorities. As Gazzetta dello Sport reported, “the Croatian coach quickly changed his mind… to the point that he’s put his return at the top of his list of priorities.”

With PSG demanding assurances that this will be a permanent move, and Juventus reluctant to make an upfront commitment due to the cost, negotiations are ongoing. Talks are centred around a conditional obligation to buy—based on Champions League qualification and the player’s performance—with a valuation estimated between €40-€45 million. An increased initial loan fee of around €10 million could be key to smoothing the path forward.

United’s Shadow Looms Over Juventus Plans

While Juventus are attempting to finalise the deal, Manchester United are monitoring developments closely. With Rasmus Højlund reportedly a candidate for a loan move, the possibility of a fresh striking option at Old Trafford looms if Juventus stall. Gazzetta warns, “rumours of a determined push by Manchester United… are not leaving the Old Lady feeling reassured.”

Photo IMAGO

United’s pursuit appears tactical, especially given their struggles in the market so far. With Kolo Muani reportedly “resisting English temptations,” his loyalty to Juventus remains, but Comolli must act swiftly to ensure the club doesn’t lose him to Premier League suitors.

Time Running Out Before German Training Camp

Kolo Muani has resumed training in Paris but is hopeful of rejoining Juventus before their pre-season camp in Herzogenaurach this weekend. Should the deal collapse or be delayed until August, Juventus may face added complications—not least from Dusan Vlahović’s uncertain future, with Milan reportedly interested in the Serbian striker.

Negotiations remain finely poised, but as Gazzetta dello Sport rightly highlights, “it will also depend on Kolo Muani, his willingness to be patient and resist English temptations. Starting with United.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this report raises more questions than answers. The club’s failure to secure Viktor Gyökeres has clearly pushed them into a reactive phase of the transfer window. Kolo Muani, although not a like-for-like replacement, offers many of the traits United fans crave—pace, work rate, and intelligent movement. His development at Eintracht Frankfurt and brief stint in Turin show he can adapt quickly to new environments.

However, the fact that United are again linked with a player already at an advanced stage of negotiations with another club will feel all too familiar. It highlights ongoing issues in the recruitment strategy—lack of clarity, slow execution, and opportunistic rather than proactive planning.

That said, if Juventus stumble in their final approach, United must be ready to strike. Rasmus Højlund has struggled with consistency, and the potential loan departure suggests Ten Hag is looking for a short-term fix or added competition. Kolo Muani could be a smart option if the financials are right, especially on a loan with an option to buy.

The real question is whether United are seriously in for him or simply being used to drive up the price for Juventus. Either way, fans will want to see the club show decisive intent soon—especially in a summer where their rivals are already making bold moves.