EXCLUSIVE: Dusan Vlahovic pushing for Man Utd move as talks opened

FootballTransfers understands that Manchester United have held direct talks with the representatives of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as the club intensify efforts to add a reliable No.9 this summer.

The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his contract in Turin, and with no renewal in sight, Juventus are once again open to a sale in a bid to get his hefty salary off the wage bill.

Sources close to the situation reveal that it was Vlahovic’s camp who approached Man Utd, with the player increasingly pushing for a move to the Premier League, his dream destination.

Vlahovic is said to view Man Utd as an ideal step in his career, and recent discussions were described as ‘positive and constructive.’ The Serbian forward is believed to be motivated by the idea of working under Ruben Amorim and playing in a more open, physically demanding league.

The Vlahovic news comes amid a setback in United’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres, with the Sporting CP striker leaning toward a move to Arsenal, according to sources in Portugal.

Vlahovic instead of Gyokeres?

United had identified the Sweden international as a marquee target, but delays in making a formal approach, as well as a lack of European football, have allowed rivals to move ahead in the race.

That development has forced United to recalibrate their striker strategy, and Vlahovic could now emerge as one of the most viable alternatives. Crucially, he is available for around €45 million, a cut-price fee that offers promising value in a summer where budget efficiency will be key for INEOS and the new football structure at Old Trafford.

Despite his underwhelming stint at Juventus, where tactical limitations and injuries dulled his impact, Vlahovic still recorded 15 goals in Serie A last season and remains one of the most rounded and imposing centre-forwards in Europe.

The main challenge lies in his €10m-€12m net salary, which would place him near the top of United’s wage hierarchy. Indeed, Vlahovic has been the largest earner in Serie A in recent years, with his lavish contract proving a heavy burden on Juventus.

United’s shifting stance from Gyokeres to Vlahovic signals a pragmatic pivot, not a panic move. With Arsenal now leading the Gyokeres race, the Red Devils could pull off one of the market’s most intriguing deals if they do decide to proceed with the Serbia international.

Vlahovic has the hunger, pedigree and availability, and there are signs to suggest that United are seriously considering a formal offer.

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