Juventus are genuinely interested in signing Victor Osimhen - but to win the race for one of the biggest transfers of the summer they must overcome significant hurdles.
Al Hilal, Galatasaray, Manchester United and Liverpool are also on the scene in the battle to sign the Nigerian forward, and Juve want their approach to be recognised.
Sources indicate that Juventus made discreet contact over the Nigerian striker prior to the official opening of the transfer window, with the club expressing a desire to explore a potential deal.
At that point, sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli was taking charge - and there was intent to position Juventus firmly in the race.
Now, with new director Damien Comolli leading any pursuit, the direction of the club’s strategy around Osimhen must restart.
They are keeping the possibility alive, but complicating matters further is Osimhen’s release clause.
While foreign clubs have clarity - a €75 million fee can activate a move - it is understood Juventus would look to approach the deal from a different angle.
The Turin club would aim to explore an altered financial structure to keep the player within Serie A.
But even if the finances aligned, political tensions between Napoli and Juventus may cause an issue. There has always been a degree of frostiness between the two, and there are senior figures in Naples who would not want to engage in negotiations.
Victor Osimhen's xG map during his spell at Galatasaray.Opta by StatsPerform
Osimhen had a successful stint on loan at Galatasaray last season, and they remain in discussions to become his next landing spot, while it is confirmed that Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have not given up.
They are in the strongest financial situation to satisfy the player, but he has already turned them down once, so they still need to convince him of the competitive challenge.
At least two top Premier League clubs remain interested, too.
Both Manchester United and Liverpool have been considering the forward in recent months, although his personal wage demands are believed to be restrictive at present.
Figures suggest Osimhen’s pay request is in the region of £400,000 per week, a number that has deterred progress.
However, there has remained some cautious optimism at United that the player might soften his position if other elements of the deal appeal to him.
Champions Liverpool, meanwhile, are keeping tabs, with sources able to confirm that Osimhen’s name was briefly discussed during a very recent internal meeting at the club.
For now, his future remains delicately poised - but the race to land one of the world’s top centre-forwards is heating up.