Atletico de Madrid make opening move for Jonathan David as Juventus demand replacement

Atletico de Madrid have submitted their first official offer for Juventus striker Jonathan David, proposing an initial loan deal with an option to buy as uncertainty continues over Julian Alvarez’s future.

The Spanish club are working quickly during the final hours of the transfer window as they assess their attacking options. Alexander Sørloth is expected to remain at Atletico de Madrid, but the club still want to add another forward to complete Diego Simeone’s squad.

David has emerged as one of Atletico’s leading targets after other possibilities, including Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, dropped out of consideration. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, the Canada international is now a priority for the Madrid club.

Atletico had already made enquiries about David’s situation at Juventus. Those discussions have gradually advanced and have now reached a decisive stage, with the club presenting a formal proposal for the 25-year-old.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Atletico’s offer is structured as a loan with an option to make the move permanent. David is understood to be open to joining the Spanish side, while Juventus are willing to discuss his departure.

However, the Italian club will not approve the transfer until they have secured a replacement for the forward.

Romano posted:

🚨🔴⚪️ EXCL: Atletico Madrid submit official bid to Juventus for Jonathan David.Initial loan deal with buy option clause, talks ongoing about details of the proposal.Jonathan David, open to joining Atleti. 🇨🇦Juve need replacement secured ahead of any green light.pic.twitter.com/I1Aa8Ddxkp

Discussions are continuing between Atletico de Madrid, Juventus and the player’s representatives as they work through the details of the proposal. The outcome will depend in large part on whether Juventus can complete a deal for another striker before giving David permission to leave.

The move is also closely linked to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Alvarez. The Argentina international remains an important part of Simeone’s plans, but his position at Atletico has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks.

That uncertainty has contributed to the club’s decision to explore alternatives in attack, even with Sørloth expected to stay. David’s possible arrival would give Atletico another option while the situation involving Alvarez remains unresolved.

David joined Juventus and has become the subject of interest from Atletico at a critical point in the transfer window. For now, the player has indicated that he would accept a move to the Spanish capital, but the negotiations cannot progress to completion unless Juventus identify and secure his replacement.