According to reports, Manchester City have received a major transfer blow with Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic set to join former Serie A champions Juventus on a permanent transfer.
The Serbian was linked with a move to the Etihad ever since Erling Haaland’s future became uncertain with a move to Premier League looking unlikely with the Norwegian striker setting his sights on a move to Spain.
Vlahovic, 21, has been unprecedented in front of the goal for Fiorentina scoring 17 goals and laying down 2 of them in 21 appearances for the La Viola in Serie A. A host of elite team clubs across Europe were interested in signing the La Viola striker with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus in contention.
With that said, Juventus were always considered to be the front runners with the 21-year-old a fond admirer of the Turin-based outfit and the fact that they could offer him Champions League football. This was also the reason why the 21-year-old shot down an offer from Arsenal.
"“Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus, done deal and here we go! Total agreement with player, agents, and Fiorentina. €75 million fee add one included. €7 million net salary per season.”“Vlahovic will undergo medical tests in Turin and sign a long-term contract soon. The deal completed.”"
Source: Fabrizio Romano(via Twitter).
This signing will be a body blow for the defending champions as far as reinforcing their attacking third is concerned with Guardiola yet to find the successor of Sergio Aguero. Haaland’s deal is still believed to be a ‘work in progress’ for the Skyblues and their pursuit of his alternatives has now been left directionless with their best bet in Vlahovic out of reach.
However, signing Dusan Vlahovic may propel Bianconeri to part ways with Paulo Dybala with the Argentine’s contract set to expire in the upcoming summer. City have reportedly made contacts with the 28-year-old who could potentially leave Turin on a Bosman; displeased with their agreement over a new contract, having already reached a verbal agreement for a contract that would pay him significantly more than the revised one being offered by Juve.
The Skblues will certainly fancy their chances in signing the Argentinian attacker, with their financial muscle coming to their aid. So, with Vlahovic completing his move to Turin, will that force City to look at Dybala?
Let us know.