Newcastle have been joined by European giants Juventus in the race for Zenit attacker Sardar Azmoun.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Serie A titans are stepping up their efforts to sign an attacker this January following the season-ending injury to Federico Chiesa suffered over the weekend against AS Roma.
The Italy international tore his ACL and is expected to be out until September. And for Juventus, losing such a key player has increased their drive to sign an attacker, with Azmoun now in their sights.
As per the Daily Mail, Newcastle are also interested in the Iranian international, who this season has been in good goalscoring form. The 27-year-old has hit ten goals in all competitions, including a goal against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.
With Azmoun’s contract expiring this summer, Zenit could be tempted to sell the striker this month to receive some sort of fee for the striker, and Juventus might take up this offer given the injury to Chiesa.
Indeed, this news could be a kick in the teeth for Newcastle, who for most of this window looked to be the favourites to sign Azmoun. However, Juventus’ interest could derail any move from Eddie Howe’s side.
Newcastle are in a losing battle for Azmoun after Juventus interest
A striker UEFA once compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Azmoun presents arguably the best value for money in any centre-forward this January. Yet for Newcastle, Juventus’ interest in the Iranian could end their pursuit of the attacker.
After all, Juventus remain in the Champions League and are starting to get their groove back after a poor opening half of the season, and the prospect of playing for the club will no doubt entice Azmoun.
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