Juventus delay Loïs Openda exit as Luciano Spalletti makes transfer decision

Juventus are prepared to let Loïs Openda leave this summer, but head coach Luciano Spalletti has temporarily blocked the striker's departure due to a shortage of attacking options.

Several clubs have expressed interest in the Belgium international, with Lyon currently leading the race ahead of a possible return to Lens, while Monaco, Rennes and Coventry City have also been linked.

However, Juventus are expected to delay any transfer until they have sufficient attacking cover in the squad.

According to reports in Italy, Spalletti has requested that Openda remains with the squad for this weekend's pre-season friendly against Standard Liège.

Juventus are currently short of forwards, with Jeff Ekhator sidelined through injury and expected to miss around three weeks, while Jonathan David is still on holiday following international duty.

The uncertainty surrounding Dušan Vlahović's future has further reduced Spalletti's options, leaving Openda and Arkadiusz Milik as the only senior strikers currently available.

Despite the temporary delay, Openda is still expected to leave Juventus before the transfer window closes.

Lyon are reportedly the frontrunners to sign the 26-year-old, although Lens remain interested in bringing the striker back to the club.

Monaco, Rennes and Coventry City have also made enquiries, but the Ligue 1 clubs are currently viewed as the strongest contenders.

Once Juventus strengthen their attacking department, the Belgian forward is expected to be given permission to complete his move.

Juventus are aiming to structure any deal as an initial loan with an option to buy.

The arrangement would help the Serie A club avoid recording a financial loss after spending more than €40 million to sign Openda from RB Leipzig.

It would also save Juventus around €4 million net in annual wages while creating room in the salary budget for another attacking addition.

Juventus continue to reshape their squad under Spalletti, with player departures viewed as an important part of their recruitment strategy.

Allowing Openda to leave would free up both wages and squad space, but the club are unwilling to sanction the move until more attacking reinforcements arrive.

As a result, any transfer is expected to progress once Juventus have greater depth available in the final third.

Juventus are expected to keep Openda available for this weekend's pre-season fixture before reassessing his future. If additional attacking reinforcements arrive over the coming weeks, negotiations with Lyon and other interested clubs could quickly move towards completion.