Juventus Make Move for Loïs Openda After Kolo Muani Talks Stall

Juventus are now focusing on RB Leipzig striker Loïs Openda because their talks with Paris Saint-Germain for Randal Kolo Muani have stalled.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Juventus have been talking to PSG for weeks about Kolo Muani, who was impressive while on loan in Turin last season. Despite being in discussions for weeks, the club hasn’t been able to agree on terms with PSG. As a report confirmed, Juventus is currently in final talks about a deal worth around €55 million, but PSG has yet to accept their offers. Consequently, the club was forced to explore other options.

Now, Juventus have made an offer to Leipzig to take Openda on loan with an obligation to buy, with Leipzig reportedly setting a price of €40 million for the Belgian striker.

JUVENTUS AND LEIPZIG: SEASON SO FAR

Juventus began their new Serie A campaign after finishing fourth last season with two wins, narrowly qualifying for the Champions League on the last match of the season. They held on to Dusan Vlahovic, who scored 16 goals last season, as confirmed by Juventus director Comolli, who stated there is a 99% chance he will stay at the club this season. However, they seek more attacking firepower.

Leipzig will look for improvements after finishing seventh last season, failing to qualify for the Europa League. During this time, Openda was their top scorer after Sesko, netting 19 goals in 34 games.

While both teams began their respective campaigns in a strong manner—Juventus topping the Serie A table after their opening weekend with a 2-0 win against Parma and a 1-0 win to Genoa, and Leipzig sitting mid-table in the Bundesliga just three points behind leaders Bayern—they are looking up the table as leaders Inter and Bayern are pulling away.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR JUVENTUS AND OPENDA?

The next few days will be crucial for Juventus as they aim to finalise Openda’s signing before the end of the transfer window.

If the deal goes through, Openda could be handed his Juventus debut in their next game against Bologna after the international break. Leipzig, meanwhile, are expected to sign Sporting striker Conrad Harder as Openda’s replacement should he leave today, with RB Leipzig already in advanced talks with Harder and having reached a personal agreement, according to reports.

Both Juventus and Leipzig will want to ensure they remain in touching distance at the top of their respective leagues, as title rivals Inter and Bayern Munich look threatening at the top of the table.