How ‘new Haaland’ pushes Vlahovic to Man Utd or Chelsea

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 28 Feb 2023 08:15 GMT
• 3 min read

Atalanta wonderkid Rasmus Hojlund could prove to be the key to Dusan Vlahovic moving to the Premier League this summer.

Vlahovic has been heavily targeted by Premier League teams over the past 18 months and was in talks to join Arsenal in the lead-up to the 2022 January transfer window.

However, Vlahovic opted to sign for Juventus in an €80 million instead.

PROFILE: Who is Rasmus Hojlund?

The Bianconeri had planned to build their attack around Vlahovic for the coming years but things have not worked out as planned for club or player.

Juventus have been in an institutional crisis. They were docked 15 points for financial irregularities and face five criminal and civil investigations, leading the entire board to resign before Christmas.

On the pitch, things have been little better and Vlahovic has not completely lived up to his promise for various reasons.

Juventus are now more open to selling Vlahovic this summer if the right offer and replacement are present.

The Corriere dello Sport reports that Juventus would be prepared to sell Vlahovic to interested Premier League sides Man Utd or Chelsea if they can buy Hojlund to replace the Serbian and make a profit.

Hojlund has exploded in 2023 as one of the most exciting young talents in European football.

He has scored six goals already in the calendar year and has forged a mouthwatering partnership with fellow 2022 summer signing Ademola Lookman.

The 20-year-old Danish international has been nicknamed the ‘new Erling Haaland’ for his physical stature and brilliant left foot.

What did Gasperini say about Hojlund?

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini sung Hojlund’s praises after his brilliant performance in the 2-0 win over Lazio in Rome this month.

“Hojlund has this spirit, energy, intensity, but also technical quality that is just remarkable,” Gasperini said on Saturday.

“He still has so much margin for improvement, too.

“He has very similar characteristics to Haaland, not just his face.

“He is so quick, he’s under 11 seconds over 100m and that’s not even trying very hard.

“Considering his height, he has a low centre of gravity and can move his legs very fast. I am convinced he’ll have a great career, he just gets stronger every day.”

Arsenal, Man Utd and Real Madrid have all watched Hojlund this season, also.