Dusan Vlahovic's time in Turin appears to be reaching its final chapter. The Serbian striker, once seen as the long term focal point of Juventus' atta...
Dusan Vlahovic's time in Turin appears to be reaching its final chapter. The Serbian striker, once seen as the long term focal point of Juventus' attack, now finds himself at the centre of a swirling transfer drama that has Napoli knocking at the door, while Newcastle, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich lurk in the shadows. According to information gathered by GoalZaza, the Partenopei have opened initial talks, sensing blood in the water as the Bianconeri look to reshape their forward line this summer.And this one makes sense, doesn't it Napoli are desperate for a focal point, a real number nine. Victor Osimhen is all but out the door, and while Giacomo Raspadori offers intelligence and movement, he is not the battering ram that Antonio Conte demands. Vlahovic, for all his recent struggles with consistency and confidence, remains a clinical finisher when the service is right. Put him in a system with pace out wide and a manager who can rebuild his swagger, and you might just unearth the 27 goal a season monster we saw in Florence. Conte has a track record of revitalising strikers. Think Lukaku at Inter. Think even Eto'o. The raw material is still there.But Napoli are not the only ones circling. Newcastle United, with their PSR room and desperate need for a focal point after Callum Wilson's injury woes, would offer Vlahovic the Premier League platform and a wage packet that Juve simply cannot match. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, are looking for the long term heir to Harry Kane, a player who can lead the line in the Bundesliga while Kane drops deeper. Vlahovic's physical profile and ability to stretch defences makes him a tantalising option for Vincent Kompany. Then there is Atletico Madrid, where Diego Simeone would mould him into a relentless, snarling predator in a low block system. The tactical flexibility on offer here is staggering.The real question is what Vlahovic actually wants. Does he want the pressure of being the main man in Naples, with all the emotional baggage that comes with the Maradona shadow Or does he fancy a new life in England's north east, where the spotlight is bright but not as suffocating as in Italy Bayern offers guaranteed trophies and Champions League football every season, but he would be a rotational piece initially. Atletico offers a war of attrition, which suits his style but not always his temperament.Let's not forget the fee. Juventus paid around 70 million euros for him just two years ago. They will want to recoup a significant chunk of that, especially with new midfielders to buy and a full back overhaul needed. Napoli will test their resolve with an opening bid that is likely to be closer to 40 million plus add ons. Newcastle have the cash to go higher, but will they want to break their wage structure for a player who has blown hot and cold Bayern will haggle. Atletico will try a loan with an obligation.For now, the ball is in Vlahovic's court. He has the chance to write the next chapter of his career. Juve are ready to move on. The big boys are circling. And Napoli have made the first real phone call. This is one of those stories that will rumble on deep into August. Squeaky bum time for the directors, but pure entertainment for the rest of us.
