Local Turin outlet TuttoJuve have dismissed recent rumours linking Juventus with a potential January move for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee.
The Serie A giants will prioritise defensive reinforcements as they navigate a challenging period without key attacking players.
Reports had suggested that United might be interested in Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, and a potential swap deal involving Zirkzee had been floated.
However, Tuttosport categorically denied these claims, asserting that Luiz is considered an indispensable player and is not expected to leave the club in January.
Juventus are currently facing a striker crisis with Dusan Vlahovic sidelined due to injury, despite initial reports suggesting the issue was not serious.
Arkadiusz Milik and Nicolas Gonzalez are also unavailable, leaving the Old Lady without a fit senior central striker. This situation had fuelled speculation about a potential January move for a new forward, with Zirkzee emerging as a target.
However, Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has confirmed that the club will not sign a striker in the upcoming transfer window. Instead, the focus remains on bolstering the defence, which has been identified as a priority for some time.
They are light at the back, with Juan Cabal and Gleison Bremer suffering long-term injuries. Juve are focused on reinforcing the rearguard.
Zirkzee previously impressed under Juventus boss Thiago Motta at Bologna but has struggled to adapt to life at Manchester United. The Dutch international striker has only one goal in 18 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions.
He featured once under new manager Ruben Amorim and was personally name-dropped by the coach for failing to attack crosses in the box.
A loan move to Juventus could have allowed him to reignite his career, but that possibility now appears off the table.
Zirkzee must start firing or could be phased out of the team soon. There are already links to former Amorim general Viktor Gyokeres, and the Man United man must start delivering the goods now.
