Retegui on Juventus Radar as Spalletti Hunts Centre-Forward Before Window Closes

Juventus have added Italy international Mateo Retegui to their list of centre-forward targets as the club continue their hunt for attacking reinforcement before the transfer window closes, according to Football Italia. The report indicates that Luciano Spalletti is still hoping to bring in another No.9 before deadline day, and the Italian-Argentine striker features prominently among the options under consideration in Turin. Spalletti knows Retegui better than most. It was the veteran coach who handed the striker his Italy debut during his time in charge of the national team, and that existing relationship could prove decisive as Juventus look to get a deal over the line. Retegui's journey to the top of the European game has been anything but conventional. Born in San Fernando, Argentina, he qualified for Italy through his grandmother and made the switch to the Azzurri setup in 2023, announcing himself with a debut goal against England in Naples. Since then, he has established himself as one of the most reliable finishers available to the national team, combining a physical presence with sharp penalty-box instincts. For Juventus, the appeal is obvious. The Bianconeri have lacked a consistent focal point in attack, and Retegui's ability to hold up play, attack crosses and convert half-chances would address a long-standing problem area. While other names remain on the shortlist, Football Italia reports that the Italy frontman is firmly in the frame as the window enters its final stretch. The timing adds an extra layer of intrigue. With the 2026 World Cup looming on the horizon — the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico — Retegui's club situation could have a direct bearing on Italy's hopes. Regular football at a club of Juventus's stature would provide the ideal platform for the striker to arrive at the tournament sharp and firing. For Spalletti, the move represents a rare alignment of club and country interests: strengthening the Juventus attack while simultaneously safeguarding the form and confidence of a key figure in the Italian forward line. Whether the deal materialises before the deadline remains to be seen, and much will depend on negotiations with Retegui's current club over both fee and personal terms. But with the clock ticking down and Juventus actively working the market, one of the window's more compelling storylines could yet end with the Italy No.9 pitching up in Turin — a transfer that would ripple all the way through to the World Cup stage next summer.