With Champions League soccer secured, and uncertainty over last season’s top scorer Vlahovic, Juve have maintained their interest in Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres.
Yet Juventus face a race to secure the 26-year-old’s signature, as Arsenal are eager to scupper the Italian giants.
Although Sporting originally wanted €100 million (US$113.5m), there were recent reports in the Portuguese media that the club would negotiate the fee with a minimum knockdown price of €70m (US$79.5m).
That cut-price deal alerted Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. With Arsenal representatives, according to the British press, having traveled to Lisbon and tabled an official bid of €73.5m (US$83.4m).
The Sweden international was formidable last term, bagging a staggering 54 goals across all competitions to help steer Sporting to the double of the league title and the Portuguese Cup.
Sesko alternative
Arsenal have set their sights on netting either Gyokeres or Juventus target Benjamin Sesko this summer, as the team have lacked a center forward for some considerable time.
Vlahovic turned Arsenal down to join Juventus in January 2022, and he now appears to be a back-up plan for the trio of long-term admirers Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.
The high salary demands of Vlahovic, despite his winter valuation of €70m (US$79.5m) virtually halving now, has put off Premier League sides. Although it has not deterred Saudi Pro League teams nor Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Talks about extending Vlahovic’s contract, which expires at the end of next season, have stalled as Juve want to reduce his current annual salary of €12m (US$13.6m). This has left the Bianconeri keen to cash in on the 25-year-old, rather than have him depart as a free agent next year.
Vlahovic move
Should Vlahovic be moved on after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup finals, which kick off on 14 June, Juventus will be in a strong position to replace him. The club will also be able to afford signing a proven talent by saving money from Vlahovic’s wages, which are the highest in Serie A.
Until Vlahovic has been sold, a transfer deal for his successor cannot be negotiated. This leaves the Turin titans possibly losing out on both Gyokeres and Sesko. Although Juve do have a comprehensive list of striker targets, which now includes Vangelis Pavlidis.
The Greek striker joined Benfica on a five-year deal from AZ Alkmaar for €18m (US$20.5m) last July. His market value now doubled after notching 19 Liga Portugal goals and seven strikes in the Champions League, which included an impressive hat-trick against Barcelona.
With no news about a permanent manager at Juventus expected until they finish their Club World Cup campaign, it appears difficult to entice a top-class player to Turin.