Juventus are reportedly preparing to part ways with their highest-paid player, Dusan Vlahovic, unless a new contract can be agreed upon in the coming weeks.
This development has caught the attention of Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, who are all keen on securing the Serbian striker, according to TBR Football.
Vlahovic, whose current deal with Juventus runs until 2026, has become a focal point for transfer speculation as the club looks to recoup much of the £70 million they invested in him three years ago from Fiorentina.
Despite an initial optimism for a contract extension, Juventus are now contemplating an ultimatum for Vlahovic, who currently earns over £200,000 per week after tax, making him Serie A’s best-compensated player following the exits of Paul Pogba and Victor Osimhen.
The striker’s performance this season, with nine goals in 17 games, has been commendable but not enough to justify his hefty wage according to Juventus’ standards.
The club is keen on negotiating a pay cut, a condition Vlahovic seems reluctant to accept, hinting at an inevitable transfer if no agreement is reached.
Arsenal, who have been tracking Vlahovic since his Fiorentina days, have seen their interest reignited, especially after a lackluster run where they’ve only secured three wins in their last eight league matches.
Mikel Arteta’s side, alongside Chelsea and Manchester United, see Vlahovic as a potential solution to their forward line issues.
Chelsea’s interest persists despite Nicolas Jackson’s recent form, while Manchester United might consider bolstering their attack if Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee fail to deliver consistently.
The narrative around Vlahovic has been mixed in Italy, with criticism for his scoring rate juxtaposed against support from his current manager, Thiago Motta.
The Juventus head coach has publicly backed Vlahovic, emphasizing his potential and the need for the team to better utilize his capabilities.
“We need to utilize Dusan more, as he attacks those spaces in the penalty area incredibly well,” Motta has said, highlighting Vlahovic’s strengths and his role beyond just scoring goals.
