As the summer transfer window heats up, the intricate dance of negotiations between Italy`s football giants takes center stage. At the heart of one such captivating ballet is Dusan Vlahovic, the Serbian striker whose future at Juventus appears increasingly uncertain, and AC Milan, a club meticulously searching for the perfect piece to complete their attacking puzzle.
Officially, there are no talks. Unofficially, the lines of communication between Turin and Milanello have been quietly buzzing for quite some time. This is not merely a transfer; it`s a high-stakes game of chess, where every move is calculated, every valuation scrutinized, and every salary figure a potential deal-breaker. The objective? To find a solution that satisfies all parties, a feat often more challenging than winning a Derby della Madonnina.
Juventus`s Vlahovic Conundrum
For Juventus, Dusan Vlahovic has become something of an expensive enigma. Acquired at a significant cost, his substantial salary, reportedly close to €24 million gross annually, weighs heavily on their balance sheet. With his contract set to expire in June 2026, the Bianconeri face a stark choice: offload him now and recoup some value, or risk losing him for free in a year, potentially after a costly contract termination with a substantial book loss. Turin`s hope, it seems, is for an external suitor to swoop in with a compelling offer. Yet, as days turn into weeks, that white knight remains elusive, prompting a quiet acknowledgement that perhaps their local rival holds the key.
AC Milan`s Striker Imperative
On the other side of this delicate negotiation stands AC Milan. The Rossoneri have been methodical in their transfer strategy, prioritizing squad balance and financial prudence. While they`ve addressed their left flank with the acquisition of Estupinan, and continue to eye targets for the right side and midfield, the need for a prolific “man in the box” striker is undeniable. Coach Stefano Pioli (or, as some might prefer, his tactical alter ego who demands a clinical finisher) requires a true target man to complement existing talents like Rafael Leao, who, while versatile, isn`t a traditional central forward.
Vlahovic, with his physical presence and goal-scoring pedigree, fits the profile Milan seeks. However, the club is wary of disrupting their carefully constructed wage structure, where Leao`s €7 million annual salary sets the benchmark. A substantial reduction in Vlahovic`s current earnings is a non-negotiable for Milan, a point that makes securing his signature less about a simple transfer fee and more about a complex financial restructuring.
The Allure of the Swap Deal
The most elegant solution, gaining increasing traction in both club headquarters, is a player swap. The proposed exchange sees Dusan Vlahovic moving to Milan, with a defender heading to Turin. Malick Thiaw has emerged as the prime candidate for this counter-part, a player who would provide Juventus with a valuable defensive reinforcement, particularly if Daniele Rugani departs. While Pavlovic is also mentioned, Juventus`s coach Allegri reportedly prefers to retain him, making Thiaw the more realistic option.
This type of deal, however, is rarely straightforward. It necessitates a precise calibration of player valuations, a process that can become fraught with disagreements. Milan won`t overpay for Vlahovic, especially with the prospect of acquiring him on a free transfer next January (signing a pre-contract for 2026-27). Juventus, conversely, needs to offload Vlahovic without incurring excessive financial losses. The common ground lies in the mutual convenience: a solution by the end of August benefits both parties, avoiding prolonged uncertainty and salary burdens.
The Waiting Game and Alternative Targets
Milan`s approach is characterized by patience. They are prepared to wait until August, leveraging Juventus`s growing desperation to move Vlahovic. Their sporting director, Geoffrey Moncada (and CEO Giorgio Furlani), are also actively monitoring the market for “opportunistic” striker deals—talents who might become surplus to requirements at Europe`s elite clubs. Names like Jackson (Chelsea), Darwin Núñez (Liverpool), and Gonçalo Ramos (PSG) are on their radar, not necessarily as immediate targets, but as potential low-cost alternatives should the Vlahovic saga prove too protracted or expensive.
Meanwhile, the iconic AC Milan number 9 jersey remains vacant, a silent testament to the club`s ongoing quest for a formidable striker. The question isn`t just who will fill it, but when, and under what meticulously negotiated terms. This summer`s transfer window promises more twists and turns, embodying the very essence of Italian football`s unique blend of strategic cunning and dramatic flair.
