January's Most Wanted: Vlahovic to City, Arsenal, Spurs or Juve?

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 2 Jan 2022 15:59 GMT
• 5 min read

Perhaps not a player in world football improved more in 2021 than Dusan Vlahovic.

The Serbian striker exploded in the last calendar year, emerging as arguably the best young number 9 in Europe after Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.

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Vlahovic scored 33 Serie A goals in 2021. Only Robert Lewandowski scored more league goals in Europe’s top five leagues than the Fiorentina hitman.

This form naturally has led to him becoming a very wanted man on the transfer market.

What is Vlahovic’s transfer status?

Vlahovic’s future at Fiorentina is very much in doubt. His contract expires in June 2023 and he has repeatedly rejected offers of a new contract.

In October, Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso issued a statement in which he confirmed that contract negotiations had broken down indefinitely.”

"Fiorentina made a very significant offer to the player. Our proposal would have made him the highest paid player in the history of the club,” Commisso stated.

“We also improved our offer on a number of occasions in order to accommodate the requests of both Dusan and his entourage. However, despite our efforts, those offers have not been accepted.

“At this point, all that we can do is acknowledge the wishes of the player and his entourage.

“Dusan Vlahovic has a contract linking him to Fiorentina for the next 21 months.

We have no doubt that the player will – as he always has – do his bit to help the team achieve its objectives, showing the same level of professionalism he has shown since he arrived in Florence, with the utmost respect from our fans, his team-mates, the coach and the club as a whole."

It is understood that Vlahovic has no intention in resuming contract talks. The Serbian has the desire to join a bigger club who will be playing in the Champions League next season.

Fiorentina have taken the decision to sell Vlahovic in 2022 in order to prevent losing him on a Bosman transfer for nothing next year.

The Viola value Vlahovic at €60-70 million.

When does Vlahovic’s contract expire?

Vlahovic’s contract with Fiorentina expires on June 30, 2023.

What clubs are interested in Vlahovic?

A whole host of Europe’s biggest clubs are interested in signing Vlahovic. Last summer, two clubs made a bid for the Serbian. These were Atletico Madrid and Tottenham. Arsenal and Man City also made enquiries.

Tottenham and Arsenal’s interest has only increased since then and both could make official bids this month. Spurs see Vlahovic as not only a long-term successor to Harry Kane, but believe he can play alongside the Englishman also.

Arsenal also want Vlahovic to be their new number 9 given that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette should both leave this year.

Vlahovic is said to be interested in joining Tottenham as he believes that Antonio Conte is the perfect manager for him, but he is not keen on Arsenal.

Juventus also have Vlahovic on the top of their shortlist as they search for a new striker. But the Bianconeri can’t afford to pay a straight transfer fee, certainly not in January, which means they are left hoping that Vlahovic pushes to join them.

In the case of all three clubs, Vlahovic is only interested in joining a team who are playing Champions League football and that is not certain for any of the trio.

Man City are also keeping an eye on developments as they still wish to sign a natural number nine this year, despite their incredible form.

Could Vlahovic leave in January?

It is believed that Vlahovic is unlikely to leave in January as Fiorentina are enjoying an excellent season and are in contention not only to qualify for Europe but possibly even to make it into the Champions League.

The Viola are in seventh position, only six points away from a Champions League spot and don’t want to lose their key man midway through the season.

Vlahovic is also content to wait until the summer in order to move.

However, should Fiorentina receive an outrageous bid, then a transfer can’t be ruled out given his value will drop in the summer.

Could Vlahovic leave in the summer?

Yes, a transfer in the summer of 2022 is very likely. Vlahovic is not prepared to sign a new contract and Fiorentina know this is their last chance to receive a decent fee before they risk losing him for nothing in 2023.

How old is Vlahovic?

Dusan Vlahovic was born on 28 January 2000. He is 21 years old.