With Paul Pogba having finally completed his protracted transfer to Manchester United, Juventus now have a gaping void in their midfield. In fact, they have two, with Claudio Marchisio unlikely to return from injury until November at the earliest.
So, while the Bianconeri have already made several high-profile signings this summer, they must make at least one more major move before the transfer market closes on August 31.
Several players have been put forward as potential Pogba replacements - but who do you think the Italian titleholders should sign? Check out the main contenders and then cast your vote in our poll on the ideal candidate to reinforce Juve's midfield...
Why would Juventus want him? Because the two-footed, 27-year-old Belgium international is, like Pogba, a midfielder of impressive physique and technique. Indeed, as his current boss Mircea Lucescu says, "I don't see any difference between Axel and Pogba, except for their ages. As we saw at the Euros, Pogba lacks the experience that Axel certainly has."
Would he want to join Juve? Absolutely. Witsel has already told Zenit that he wants to leave and has repeatedly expressed his interest in moving to Italy. "[Turin] is a destination that would suit me," he stated last year.
Could a deal be made? Yes, but Zenit are playing hard ball. Witsel has just 12 months left on his contract yet the Russians are demanding €25 million (£21.3m) for his services. Juventus have, thus far, been unwilling to raise their initial offer of €18m (£15.3m). However, now that Pogba has actually departed, a compromise could soon be agreed.
Why would Juventus want him? Admittedly, the Chelsea midfielder's stock has fallen after a dismal 2015-16 campaign but the Serbian could still prove a tremendously protective presence in front of the Bianconeri's back three. Matic is, after all, only 28. It is not as if time has caught up with him; he just had a terrible season - like many other players at Stamford Bridge.
Would he want to join Juve? If he were guaranteed regular first-team football, yes. Antonio Conte has made it clear that the former Benfica ace remains a major part of his plans: "He is ideal for my style of play." However, the arrival of N'Golo Kante from Leicester for €37.5m (£32m) has cast considerable doubt on Matic's status as certain starter.
Could a deal be made? After Conte's comments, the proposed deal appeared dead in the water. However, Juve have not yet given up hope on persuading Chelsea to at least come to the negotiating table. Still, it seems improbable that the Blues would sanction the sale of a player that their new manager wants to keep - particularly with the start of the Premier League season just days away.
Why would Juventus want him? The Brazilian would add real bite to a midfield that has lacked a little tenacity since the departure of Arturo Vidal for Bayern Munich last year. Indeed, Luiz Gustavo is certainly aggressive, as underlined by the fact that he has been sent off seven times during his Bundesliga career. Still, when fit and focused, he is a real leader and an excellent ball-winner.
Would he want to join Juve? Undoubtedly. He has previously been linked with a move to China, while Inter have also now entered the race for his signature. However, he would jump at the opportunity to play for a genuine Champions League contender for the first time since leaving Bayern Munich after their treble-winning campaign in 2013.
Pogba has made a mistake joining Man Utd
Could a deal be made? Yes, but there are a couple of major obstacles to overcome. Wolfsburg are more than ready to cash in on the 29-year-old. However, they have declined Juve's offer to take Luiz Gustavo on loan with an option to buy. It's a permanent transfer or nothing, as far as the Germans are concerned. Juve do have an ace up their sleeve in the shape of Simone Zaza. Wolfsburg are willing to pay €25m (£21.3m) for the Italy international but he has thus far resisted their overtures as he wants to remain in Italy. If the Old Lady can persuade Zaza to move to the Volkswagen Arena, Luiz Gustavo could be sent in the opposite direction. At this point, though, it seems unlikely.
Why would Juventus want him? The Paris Saint-Germain ace seems like the ideal replacement for his compatriot Pogba. Matuidi is an all-action midfielder, adept at breaking up attacks and recovering the ball, as well as causing havoc whenever he storms forward.
Would he want to join Juve? Potentially. Matuidi's place in the PSG threat is under threat, with new boss Unai Emery having decided to take Grzegorz Krychowiak with him from former club Sevilla. The French champions have a plethora of attacking options - Hatem Ben Arfa, Javier Pastore, Angel Di Maria and Lucas Moura all started against Lyon at the weekend - and that could leave Matuidi battling it out with Krychowiak, Thiago Motta and Marco Verratti for just two midfield berths.
Could a deal be made? On the face of it, no. Emery has stated that he does not want to lose such "a fantastic footballer", while PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi says Matuidi is "a pillar of the team". However, where there's Mino Raiola, there's always a way. The super agent who has just taken Pogba to Manchester could very easily decide to send Matuidi to Turin to replace him. As it stands, PSG will not entertain offers of below €30m (£25.5m), while the player would be seeing a wage of approximately €5.5m (£4.6m) a season. Juve do not want to meet either figure but, having spoken with Raiola, they are cautiously optimistic that a deal could yet be done.
Why would Juventus want him? Firstly, while the Newcastle midfielder is a maddeningly frustrating character, he offered a timely and spectacular reminder of his talents during an otherwise flat French performance during the final of Euro 2016. Indeed, when asked to rate his tournament, he humbly replied: "I would give myself 10 out of 10." Secondly, he's available, with the Magpies still looking to sell some star names following their relegation to the Championship.
Would he want to join Juve? For sure! Sissoko has no intention of playing his trade in the second tier of English football and would jump at the opportunity to play Champions League football with one of Europe's elite this season. "I want to play with big players and in top-level matches," he declared last month.
Could a deal be made? Yes, but only if Newcastle lower their asking price. The Toon are seeking €40m (£34.1m) for Sissoko, much to the fury of his agent: "The club always said they would allow Moussa to leave for a fee between €18 million (£15.3m) and €25m (£21.3m)." There's also the fact that Everton, Tottenham, Arsenal and even Real Madrid have previously expressed an interest in the 26-year-old. Juve, for their part, have no intention of getting involved in a bidding war for such an inconsistent performer.
Why would Juventus want him? Quite simply, because Rakitic is one of the best midfielders in the world. The Croatia international is as industrious as he is incisive, and also has a nice habit of scoring important goals.
Would he want to join Juve? Perhaps, only if he feels unwanted by Barcelona. The Catalans' decision to sign Andre Gomes from Valencia seemed to upset one of Rakitic's representatives, Miquel Sors, who tweeted: "I think it's time to go." However, the man himself insists that he has no intention of leaving Camp Nou and was quick to distance himself from Sors: "My only agent is Arturo Canales."
Could a deal be made? Doubtful. Raktic is a key component in Luis Enrique's side and his played an integral role in their success over the past two seasons. Indeed, only a crazy offer would even get Barcelona thinking about selling their No.4. Still, Juve did pay €90m (£75.3m) for a 29-year-old Gonzalo Higuain...
..... - Goal