Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, a Chelsea target, has reportedly asked his agent to prioritise talks with Barcelona. The Serbian striker is out of contract at the Allianz Arena at the end of the season.
Vlahovic, 26, has been with Juve since arriving from ACF Fiorentina in January 2022. In 162 games across competitions, he has registered 80 goal contibutions, scoring 64 times. That includes six strikes and two assists in 17 competitive outings this season.
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The highest earner in Serie A, with a reported €12 million net annual salary, Vlahovic has seen contract extension talks stall with the Bianconeri, who are unwilling to commit such a sum long-term.
With AC Milan emerging as one of the suitors for the potential free agent this summer, Vlahovic has also attracted attention from Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
However, as per teamTALK, the striker has asked his agent to explore talks with the Blaugrana, where he could be a long-term successor for Robert Lewandowski, whose deal at the Camp Nou ends this season.
Vlahovic is currently out injured, having not played since suffering a muscle-tendon injury in his left adductor during a 2-1 Serie A home win over Cagliari in November. Nevertheless, interest in his services remains undiminished, especially from the Premier League, a destination Vlahovic is said to ‘admire’.
What’s next for Chelsea and Barcelona?
Both Chelsea and Barcelona are in the midst of solid seasons, especially the Blaugrana, who are in the fray for a maiden quadruple, having clinched their first domestic treble last campaign.
Hansi Flick’s side moved back to the La Liga summit at the weekend with a 3-0 home win over Levante, while arch-rivals Real Madrid fell to a 2-1 defeat at CA Osasuna. The Blaugrana next take on Villarreal at home in the league on Saturday (February 28) before hosting Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final – which they trail 4-0 on aggregate – three days later.
Meanwhile, the Blues are coming off a 1-1 home draw with Burnley, having drawn 2-2 at promoted Leeds United in their previous league outing, at Stamford Bridge. They next travel to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday (March 1).
Edited by Bhargav
