In the high-stakes world of European football transfers, where fortunes are won and lost with a single signature, AC Milan finds itself navigating a particularly intricate negotiation. The Rossoneri are reportedly setting their sights on Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, a move that, if successful, would represent less of a straightforward acquisition and more of a meticulously orchestrated financial and sporting high-wire act.
The Milan Mandate: Reinforcing the Attack
While AC Milan`s immediate transfer priorities involve shoring up their defensive flanks with two starting full-backs and finalizing a deal for midfielder Jashari, the quest for a potent striker remains firmly on the agenda. The club seeks a proven goal-scorer, ideally one capable of hitting the 15-goal mark per season, to provide formidable competition for their current frontman, Gimenez. It`s a pragmatic approach, recognizing the need for consistent output at the sharp end of the pitch.
Vlahovic`s Turin Tangle: A Quest for Redemption
For Dusan Vlahovic, the current situation at Juventus is, to put it mildly, complicated. With his contract set to expire in June 2026 and a reported net salary of €12 million, his tenure in Turin has not quite delivered the trophy haul or individual prolificacy many anticipated. A solitary Coppa Italia in 2023-24 and a record of 58 goals in 145 appearances, while not abysmal, falls short of the expectations placed on a player acquired for such a significant fee. Consequently, the Serbian international is believed to be seeking a “great place to restart,” having already declined a proposal from Fenerbahçe, indicating a desire for a top-tier destination.
The Financial Tightrope: Milan`s Conditions
Herein lies the crux of Milan`s interest: the economic feasibility. The Rossoneri operate under a stringent financial philosophy, eschewing massive investments in player acquisition and, crucially, being unwilling to shoulder double-digit salary figures. For a Vlahovic deal to materialize, two pivotal conditions must be met:
- Severance or Bargain Price: Vlahovic would need to either secure a severance package from Juventus or be available at a significantly reduced transfer fee. Juventus, conversely, is motivated to monetize his departure and offload his substantial wages, especially with other attacking options like Jonathan David or Kolo Muani potentially joining. The thought of paying an extravagant salary for a player who may not even feature prominently next season is, understandably, not appealing to the Bianconeri hierarchy.
- Drastic Wage Cut: Vlahovic must agree to approximately halve his current salary, with any additional earnings tied to performance-based bonuses, such as winning the league title or topping the scoring charts. This requires a considerable personal sacrifice from the player, balancing ambition with financial reality.
The Allegri Factor: A Familiar Face in New Colors?
Interestingly, despite his mixed fortunes at Juventus, Vlahovic reportedly maintains a strong bond with former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri. The two have been in contact even after Allegri`s departure from the Bianconeri bench. Allegri, who may well find himself at the helm of AC Milan in the near future, views Vlahovic as an ideal fit to lead the line in a potential attacking trident alongside dynamic wingers Pulisic and Leao. This personal connection could prove to be a compelling factor, offering Vlahovic the comfort of a familiar system and a coach who believes in his capabilities, even if Milan isn`t competing in European football this season.
The Waiting Game: Alternatives and Unfolding Scenarios
While Vlahovic remains the preferred target, Milan is not putting all its eggs in one basket. Information has also been sought regarding Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen, whose valuation hovers around €40 million plus bonuses, and Jackson from Chelsea, who carries an even steeper price tag. These alternatives highlight Milan`s desire for a quality striker, but also underscore the unique, cost-controlled appeal of the Vlahovic situation.
Currently, discussions are premature, but the coming weeks are expected to bring greater clarity. As Juventus`s pre-season gathering approaches, the dynamics of Vlahovic`s situation will undoubtedly intensify, potentially opening up the necessary maneuvering room for Milan to execute what could be the most intriguing transfer of the summer window.
