Juventus are reshaping their attack and the pace is picking up.
With Jonathan David edging towards a move to Atletico Madrid, the Turin club are working through a clear plan: secure their primary target, Joshua Zirkzee, and line up Nick Woltemade as an additional weapon, not a consolation prize.
Juventus build a new frontline
Sky Sport Italia report that Woltemade has moved into serious contention for Juventus, who are bracing for David’s likely departure. If the Canadian does head to Madrid, the Bianconeri do not want to be caught short in a season that brings the extra weight of European football.
Woltemade, 24, sits high on their shortlist. The proposal on the table is classic modern Juventus: a loan from Newcastle United with an option to buy, a low-risk, high-upside play that mirrors recent business. Talks with Newcastle are already underway over a loan fee of around €5 million.
The German forward would not arrive as the centrepiece of the rebuild. That role is reserved for Zirkzee.
Juventus remain locked in negotiations with Manchester United for the Dutch striker, whose breakout at Bologna convinced the hierarchy he fits perfectly into the tactical framework at the Allianz Stadium. An initial offer has gone in: a loan worth roughly €2.5 million, with a right to buy set at €30 million next summer.
For Juventus, Zirkzee is the headline act. Woltemade is viewed as smart depth, a complementary move to make sure the bench is as strong as the starting XI.
Dortmund enter the race
Juventus, though, are not alone in chasing Woltemade.
Borussia Dortmund have joined the hunt after a brutal twist to their own plans. Giannis Konstantelias has suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury, a blow that has ripped a hole in their attacking options and forced the club back into the market, according to Bild.
A return to Germany for Woltemade suddenly makes a lot of sense. Dortmund need numbers. Woltemade knows the environment. And crucially, there is a familiar face in charge of the sporting direction.
Sporting director Ole Book worked closely with Woltemade during a successful loan spell at Elversberg, overseeing a key stage of his development. That history matters. It gives Dortmund a personal connection and potentially a negotiating edge, especially as they are also leaning towards a loan structure because of financial constraints.
Two clubs, one profile: a versatile, relatively affordable forward who can plug gaps immediately and grow in value.
Newcastle hold the key
All of this hinges on Newcastle.
The Premier League side are active in the market themselves ahead of Tuesday’s deadline and have made their stance clear: Woltemade will only be allowed to leave if a replacement is secured.
Head coach Matthias Jaissle has kept a tight line in public, refusing to be drawn into speculation.
"I'm not a coach who takes part in these rumours you're making from the media. Nick is a part of the squad and we have a strong squad, definitely. But you also know that we want to be still active in the transfer market. We still have a couple of days left," Jaissle said.
For now, Woltemade trains with Newcastle, Zirkzee remains a Manchester United player, and Jonathan David is still at Juventus. But the clock is ticking, and three clubs’ attacking plans are converging on the same few names.
When the window closes, someone will be left short. The question is whether it will be Juventus, Dortmund, or Newcastle staring at a frontline that suddenly looks one body light.
