Manchester City are reportedly considering launching an €85 million swoop for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic in the upcoming January transfer window.
According to a report from El Nacional, Manchester City are pondering over making a move to sign Fiorentina and Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic in the January transfer window as Pep Guardiola eyes attacking reinforcements.
Vlahovic has been with Fiorentina since 2018 when he signed from boyhood club Partizan Belgrade and has established himself as one of the most in-demand strikers in Europe over the past year. The 21-year-old plundered 21 goals in 37 Serie A outings last season and looks on his way to better that tally this term, with 14 goals and two assists from 16 matches across all competitions.
Vlahovic’s contract with Fiorentina runs out in 2023, and the Serbian international has confirmed that he will not be signing a new contract with the club. The Serie A outfit have decided to cash in on him in the upcoming January window rather than let him enter the final year of his deal at the end of the season when his value might dip.
Vlahovic’s potential availability in January has alerted a host of clubs, with Arsenal already believed to be in negotiations over a move while Newcastle United are also interested. Manchester City, too, are keen on landing the 21-year-old Serbian at the turn of the year and could now be ready to act upon their reported interest in him.
Manchester City have been making do without a natural No. 9 in their squad this season, having seen Sergio Aguero leave the club at the end of the last season. While Gabriel Jesus is available at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, the Catalan tactician has opted to utilise him on the right flank while playing the likes of Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden as a false nine.
However, the Premier League champions want to bring in a natural centre-forward in the upcoming transfer window as they look to retain their title and go the distance in Europe. A move for long-term target Harry Kane was mooted, but his poor form this season has led to the Cityzens turning their attention elsewhere, with Vlahovic now emerging as an option.
Fiorentina have set an asking price of €85 million on their prized asset, which the English champions are considering paying at the manager’s insistence, the report claims. It remains to be seen if they do go ahead and splash the cash to bring the 21-year-old Vlahovic to the Etihad Stadium in January, which could open the doors for Ferran Torres to join La Liga heavyweights Barcelona.
