Manchester United and Crystal Palace face Juventus threat over Zirkzee and Mateta

Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta have emerged as options for Juventus as the Serie A giants search for another forward before the transfer deadline.

The Italian club have already strengthened their attack with Randal Kolo Muani, but manager Luciano Spalletti wants another striker to provide additional depth.

According to TuttoSport, Zirkzee is particularly appreciated by Juventus sporting director Ricky Massara, while Mateta remains on the club's shortlist despite concerns surrounding his fitness.

Zirkzee appears to be one of the more attractive possibilities for Juventus because of the potential structure of the deal.

Manchester United are reportedly willing to let the Dutch international leave, giving Juventus confidence that a late loan agreement could potentially be negotiated.

The former Bologna forward is also viewed favourably by Massara and is reportedly considered an upgrade on Jonathan David, whose position in Turin has weakened.

David has dropped down the pecking order and could leave Juventus before the window closes, potentially creating the space required for another striker.

Zirkzee would also arrive with considerable Serie A experience after previously impressing in Italy with Bologna before moving to Old Trafford in 2024.

For Juventus, a loan would limit their financial commitment while adding another option behind Kolo Muani.

Crystal Palace could also become involved in Juventus' striker search.

Mateta came extremely close to joining AC Milan in January after the clubs reached an agreement, only for an issue with his knee to emerge during his medical and prevent the transfer from being completed.

The 29-year-old subsequently returned to Palace and regained an important role during the second half of the season.

He scored four goals between April and May and also found the net in the Conference League final, underlining his importance to the Eagles.

Juventus have nevertheless retained some concerns about his fitness following the failed Milan move.

Mateta's contract situation could make him attractive financially. His current Palace deal expires in 2027, potentially reducing the Eagles' negotiating power if no extension is agreed.

Juventus' strategy appears relatively straightforward.

Kolo Muani is expected to be Spalletti's preferred striker, meaning the club do not necessarily need to spend heavily on another centre-forward who may initially operate as a rotation option.

That makes a loan for Zirkzee particularly appealing.

Mateta could provide an alternative if Palace become willing to negotiate at a reduced price because of his contract situation, although the Premier League club would then have to consider how difficult he would be to replace this late in the window.

Manchester United face a similar decision with Zirkzee. Allowing him to leave on loan would create another vacancy in their attacking options unless they already have sufficient cover available.

Juventus must decide whether to prioritise negotiations with Manchester United for Zirkzee or explore the possibility of securing Mateta from Crystal Palace.

Zirkzee currently appears to offer the cleaner financial route because a loan could suit Juventus' requirements. A Mateta transfer may be more complicated, particularly if Palace refuse to lose an important striker without sufficient time or money to replace him.

Who would be the better signing for Juventus: Joshua Zirkzee or Jean-Philippe Mateta? Have your say.