Atletico Madrid have made an official approach to Juventus for Canada international Jonathan David, with the proposed deal centred on an initial loan and an option to buy.
Negotiations are continuing and no transfer has been agreed. The clubs are discussing the finer details of the proposal, according to reporting by Fabrizio Romano relayed by Canadian Soccer Daily.
David, 26, is understood to be open to a move to Atletico Madrid, although Romano says the transfer will depend on the Spanish club making a final decision on whether to proceed.
The most significant obstacle is at Juventus, who reportedly want to secure a replacement striker before authorising David’s departure. Any agreement is therefore dependent not only on the terms offered by Atletico Madrid, but also on the Turin club completing their own recruitment plans.
David’s uncertain Juventus future
David is in his first season with Juventus but has not, according to the source, matched the expectations surrounding his arrival in Serie A. His inconsistent start has prompted speculation that he could leave after only a short spell in Turin.
Arsenal, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace have all been linked with the forward in recent weeks.
Despite those reports, the structure currently being discussed is not a permanent transfer. Atletico Madrid are considering a loan arrangement that would give them the option to buy David at a later stage. Juventus are said to be willing to negotiate, with contact continuing between the clubs and the other parties involved.
The Italian side’s position remains clear: a replacement forward must be found before David is allowed to leave.
Alvarez situation adds to Atletico’s plans
Atletico Madrid’s decision is also complicated by the uncertain future of Julian Alvarez.
The club have given Alvarez a deadline to decide whether he will remain in Madrid or leave for Arsenal. Sky Sports have reported that the Argentina international wants to join Barcelona, although that claim has come from Sky Sports and not directly from Atletico Madrid.
Alvarez’s decision could influence the wider chain of moves involving David. If the forward leaves Atletico Madrid, the Spanish club may need to reshape their attacking options before completing another deal. Equally, his decision could affect whether Atletico Madrid commit to bringing David to the club.
The situation has created an increasingly involved striker puzzle for Atletico Madrid, with the outcome of one transfer potentially influencing several others before the window closes.
For now, Atletico Madrid must decide whether to advance their loan-with-option proposal, while Juventus continue to search for a replacement. Discussions remain active, but the move cannot be completed unless the Italian club are satisfied that they have adequate cover in attack.
Both clubs are operating within a limited period to finalise any agreement before the transfer window shuts.
