Juventus’ Jonathan David Replacement: Why Nick Woltemade and Joshua Zirkzee Are in the Frame

The situation is directly linked to Atlético Madrid’s pursuit of David. Atlético have made an offer to take the Canadian striker on loan with a purchase option, while Juventus are prepared to consider the departure provided they can secure a replacement.

Why Juventus Are Pushing for Woltemade

Juventus have made contact with Newcastle over a potential loan for Woltemade, with the German striker understood to be keen on the possibility of moving to Turin.

The 24-year-old only joined Newcastle from Stuttgart last summer in a club-record deal, but his position at St James’ Park has become uncertain. He scored 11 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions during his first season in England.

The proposed Juventus operation would be structured as a loan with a purchase option. Reports indicate that Newcastle could demand a loan fee of around €5 million, although the final conditions remain under discussion.

Woltemade's physical presence and ability to operate across the frontline would give Luciano Spalletti another profile alongside Randal Kolo Muani.

Zirkzee Is Still Juventus' Other Option

Woltemade is not the only striker Juventus are pursuing.

Joshua Zirkzee has returned to the club's plans after Fiorentina's proposed loan move collapsed. Juventus have already approached Manchester United about a potential deal and are reportedly looking at a loan arrangement with a purchase option.

Sky Sport reports that Juventus' initial proposal for Zirkzee involved a loan fee of around €2.5 million and a €30 million purchase option, while United would prefer a package worth closer to €35 million overall.

Zirkzee would also bring something Juventus already know well: Serie A experience. The Dutchman previously impressed at Bologna before joining Manchester United, making a return to Italy a particularly attractive possibility.

The David Domino Could Decide Everything

The key to both deals remains Jonathan David.

Atlético Madrid are pushing to take the Canadian forward on loan, and David has reportedly given his approval to the move. Juventus, however, do not want to sanction his departure without first knowing who will replace him.

That has created a late-window transfer chain:

Juventus are therefore working on both alternatives simultaneously rather than waiting for David's situation to be resolved before approaching potential replacements.

Which Striker Fits Juventus Best?

There is a clear contrast between the two options.

Woltemade offers greater physical presence and versatility. At around 1.98m, the German can provide a different focal point for Juventus' attack while also contributing in deeper and wider areas.

Zirkzee, meanwhile, offers greater familiarity with Italian football and a more technical link-up profile. His ability to drop between the lines could complement Juventus' existing forwards and give Spalletti another option when breaking down compact defences.

Financially, both deals are being explored through loan structures, which would allow Juventus to strengthen without committing to another major upfront transfer fee.

Deadline-Day Pressure Is Building

With the transfer window nearing its close, Juventus now have little room for delay.

David's potential departure has effectively opened two parallel negotiations: one with Manchester United for Zirkzee and another with Newcastle for Woltemade.

For now, both remain genuine possibilities, with the final decision likely to depend on which deal Juventus can complete most efficiently once David's move to Atlético advances.

The next few hours could therefore determine not only where Jonathan David plays this season, but also whether Juventus end up with Zirkzee or Woltemade as his replacement.