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<p>Next Elite Striker?</p>
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<img alt="Introducing Joaquín Panichelli: Strasbourg standout, Argentina international, and Barcelona prospect" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/pani-spot-1763049786-182785.png" title="Introducing Joaquín Panichelli: Strasbourg standout, Argentina international, and Barcelona prospect">
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Traditionally, the role of centre-forward is waning in modern football, but Joaquín Panichelli has emerged as a refreshing anomaly. This imposing striker has made a remarkable impact at Strasbourg, catching the attention of top clubs across Europe. Following a thrilling 3-3 draw against PSG, Strasbourg's manager Liam Rosenior hailed Panichelli’s performance as ‘one of the best centre-forward displays’ he has witnessed, marking him as a standout player in Ligue 1.
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At just 22 years old, Panichelli was relatively obscure when he transferred to Strasbourg for €16.5 million from Alavés last summer. However, he has quickly become one of the breakout stars of the 2025/26 season, currently leading Ligue 1 in scoring with nine goals in 12 appearances. Recently, he received his first call-up to the Argentine national team and is poised to make his international debut this month. Here, we take a closer look at one of Europe's most exciting strikers, with insights from Transfermarkt’s French team.
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<h2>Who is Joaquín Panichelli?</h2>
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Hailing from Cordoba, Panichelli developed his skills in the youth systems of Racing de Cordoba and Belgrano before catching the eye of the prestigious River Plate. Despite a brief unsuccessful trial at Boca Juniors, Panichelli didn’t break into the first team at River and eventually moved to Alavés in Spain's second division on a free transfer in 2023. His time at Alavés was marred by injuries, but he found his form during a loan stint at Mirandés last season, scoring 20 goals in LaLiga2, which helped him earn a move to Strasbourg.
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On Panichelli's transition to France, Joachim Durand, Transfermarkt’s Ligue 1 expert, notes: “His arrival sparked high expectations, being Strasbourg's most expensive summer acquisition after netting 20 goals last season. However, doubts persisted about moving from the Spanish second division and competing with Emmanuel Emegha, who scored 14 last season. Ultimately, he has not only played alongside Emegha but has also secured a starting role in Rosenior’s light-on-structure system."
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As demonstrated in the graphic above, Panichelli’s nine goals in Ligue 1 position him fourth among the top scorers in Europe’s elite leagues. Only Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappé have scored more goals. Standing at 6ft 3in, Panichelli’s all-around game is impressive, but it’s his physicality and finishing prowess that truly stand out. “He is a classic number nine,” Durand adds. “His main attributes include finishing, positioning, and heading ability, and he also plays a significant role defensively, particularly in pressing.”
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<h2>Top European Clubs Eyeing Joaquín Panichelli</h2>
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Naturally, Panichelli is drawing interest from major European clubs, along with the inevitable Chelsea connection. BlueCo, which owns both clubs, allows for seamless player movement between Strasbourg and the English Premier League giants. He is anticipated to be under consideration for a possible transfer to Chelsea, especially since Emegha is set to join Stamford Bridge next summer.
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Panichelli’s market value has surged by €12 million in the latest Ligue 1 update, but it would likely require a significantly higher offer for Strasbourg to agree to a sale. Interested clubs will also want to see if he can maintain his impressive form throughout the season. Notably, AC Milan and Barcelona have expressed interest according to reputable sources, making Panichelli a player to watch closely given his rising profile.
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