The Serie A striker reportedly has “friction” between him and his manager indicating a summer transfer.
Man United look set to sign a striker in the summer transfer window due to the poor form of both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who have combined for just six goals in the Premier League.
Ruben Amorim brought on centre-back Harry Maguire to play up front against Nottingham Forest during their 1-0 defeat on Tuesday night indicating that United’s depth at the striker position is nowhere near where it needs to be.
Amorim’s side have scored just 37 goals in 30 Premier League games this season, making them the seventh-lowest-scoring team in the league, with just one player having more than 10 goals - Bruno Fernandes. The need for a striker means they will likely sign one in the summer.
Vlahovic seeing “friction” at Juventus indicating a summer transfer
One striker that Man United have previously been linked to is Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, who has scored 14 goals in 35 games for the Old Lady this season. Recent reports have suggested that Juventus could sell him for as little as £25m due to his contract expiring in June 2026.
He is expected to be worth around £38 million, making the reduced fee somewhat of a bargain. Reports have now emerged which suggest a transfer this summer is all but certain for the Serbian.
According to the Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport, there was “friction” between Vlahovic and previous manager Thiago Motta as he had fallen out of favour to Randal Kolo Muani. Despite a change in the dugout it is reported “there will be separation” between Vlahovic and Juventus.
It says that Man United could sign him with Arsenal also previously being linked to the Serbia international. It has also been said that Newcastle could emerge as a destination for Vlahovic if they need to find a replacement for Alexander Isak, who has been linked to Arsenal and Liverpool.
Vlahovic is an out-and-out striker, the sort of number nine that the Red Devils could do with, however, he is unlikely to be their first-choice target with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Liam Delap also on the radar.
Vlahovic could be United’s Gyokeres alternative
When Amorim joined United, it seemed most likely that Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres would want a move to Old Trafford due to his links to the manager.
However, recent reports have suggested that Arsenal’s appointment of sporting director Andrea Berta has made the Swedish star their priority striker target, and the Gunners are now reportedly the frontrunners to sign the 26-year-old.
Gyokeres has scored 30 goals in 26 league games for Sporting this season, being one of the most prolific strikers in Europe. If United can’t sign him, they could pursue a move for Vlahovic who would be a much cheaper alternative seeing as Gyokeres is expected to cost between £60m-£70m.
The pair are similar in profile, and it could be claimed that Vlahovic has better experience in a top league due to playing in Serie A rather than in Liga Portugal. However, his scoring record this season doesn’t come close to Gyokeres.
In other news, Ruben Amorim has hinted where a £55m star will play for Manchester United for the rest of the season.