Juventus could make one of the biggest splashes in the transfer market ahead of next season, as they seek to close the gap on their European rivals.
The Old Lady has been by far the best Italian team for the past two seasons, but the way they were humbled by Bayern Munich in this season’s Uefa Champions League has proved they are lagging when it comes to continental club football.
Juve are determined to contest next season’s Uefa Champions League but know they will need greater fire power to do so.
Consequently, the Serie A champions have been linked to Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic, as well as Real Madrid striker, Gonzalo Higuain.
To sign both highly-rated attackers would be a real statement of intent by Juve, and they admit that they are interested in the duo.
“We want to reinforce the squad, to give Conte a team that is even more competitive,” director Beppe Marotta told Rai Sport on Tuesday.
“We are evaluating several attacking options.
“Higuain is certainly very interesting. We’re looking to sign players who want to come to Juventus and are willing to leave their club.”
Regarding Montenegrin international Jovetic, who has been a rumour mill staple since being linked to Liverpool in 2008, Marotta added: "We hear a lot about Jovetic playing in black and white, but he remains a Fiorentina player and we respect that. I must admit, though, that he is a great player.”
23-year-old Jovetic is widely believed to be one of the most talented young attackers in European club football, and Fiorentina have reluctantly come to accept that he is destined to play for a higher-profile club than La Viola.
“Jovetic must understand his future, make the right choice,” Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle told the Italian media.
“The important thing is that, if he does leave, we compensate for his sale by bringing in suitable replacements.”
If Jovetic and Higuain both sign for Juve, the Turin-based club will eliminate its greatest tactical shortcoming in two fell swoops.
This season they were criticised for playing without a world class front man. But next time around they could line up with any of Jovetic, Higuain and Spanish international Fernando Llorente, who will join them after leaving Athletic Bilbao.