The collapse of these talks represents a significant blow to manager Luciano Spalletti, who has been vocal about his admiration for the striker. Spalletti, who has reportedly already seen moves for Bernardo Silva and Alisson fall through, viewed Vlahovic as a central pillar of his project. Following a victory against Lecce less than a month ago, the coach emphasised the striker's importance to his system.
"The lack of Vlahovic is something we suffered like daily bread," Spalletti said. "You cannot play football without someone with his characteristics, without a physical, strong terminal who scores goals. The renewal? The club, from what I know, has tried to make and have a contact of this kind and will try again because this is what they tell me and I trust my directors."
Despite the manager's public backing, the financial reality has dictated a different outcome for the club’s sporting plans.