United target Serie A superstar | OneFootball

Juventus forward linked with Premier League suitors Chelsea and Man Utd

Juventus weighing up winter exit strategy

Juventus are actively considering the sale of their Serbian forward in January, with Chelsea and Manchester United monitoring developments. The Italian giants are attempting to navigate what has become a delicate balancing act. On the one hand they want to protect their summer investments in Jonathan David and Lois Openda, while on the other they recognise the commercial and sporting weight that Dusan Vlahovic still carries. As reported by Gazzetta Italia.

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The story unfolding in Turin resembles what one local writer described as “a Game of the Goose”, a cycle of progress and retreat. Vlahovic began the season as a luxury substitute, seizing chances from the bench with important goals. David and Openda, heavily backed by the board, have struggled to impose themselves with consistency. This has forced Igor Tudor, Juventus’ head coach, to juggle both reputations and realities.

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As Gazzetta Italia noted, “David and Openda represent a double investment, Vlahovic the hope that in January someone will knock on the door with an offer.” Juventus have no wish to lose such a valuable asset for free and are calculating whether January represents the final opportunity to shape a return before the contract edges closer to its natural end date in 2026.

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Financial weight and tactical dilemmas

Vlahovic’s role has been reduced, yet he remains decisive when unleashed late in games. The forward’s goals against Parma, Genoa and Borussia Dortmund reaffirmed his ability to transform matches. Tudor has concluded that the Serb is best deployed as an impact option, a player driven by pride and frustration, able to summon the energy to prove doubters wrong.

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The challenge, however, lies in the numbers. David cost €12 million in commissions and earns €6 million annually until 2030. Openda’s obligation to buy will demand close to €50 million. Juventus cannot afford to compromise such investments. Vlahovic, meanwhile, earns €12 million per season, a figure described by one Italian official as “a weight on the accounts.”

As the report added, “At Continassa, doors would open if new offers arrived. Half a season of salary saved and perhaps ten to fifteen million more on the balance sheet.” For Juventus, this is more than footballing judgement, it is economic necessity.

Premier League clubs in pole position

Chelsea and Manchester United have long admired Vlahovic. Both sides are seeking solutions to imperfect squads, whether for additional physical presence in attack or a proven European scorer to ease the burden on emerging talents. January provides a chance to move ahead of rivals, avoiding a potential summer auction.

As Gazzetta Italia highlighted, “The Premier League has never hidden its interest, Chelsea and Manchester United above all.” A winter transfer would give Juventus the financial relief they desire, while offering English clubs a chance to integrate the striker ahead of a decisive campaign climax.

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The Serbian has resisted leaving Turin in the past, determined to fight for his place, but his long-term future appears increasingly set elsewhere. Juventus officials no longer view an extension as feasible without a significant pay cut, a step the player has shown no inclination to take.

Uncertain future ahead

Juventus find themselves trapped between sentiment and strategy. Supporters still admire Vlahovic’s contributions, but executives remain focused on sustainability. The player’s contract situation, coupled with his salary, means that the January window could prove decisive.

As one senior figure put it, “Vlahovic is on the market. He has magic in his boots but the reality is we must make choices.” For Chelsea and Manchester United, the prospect of securing a 25-year-old with Champions League pedigree and Serie A scoring experience remains appealing.

The next three months will shape the story. Whether Juventus cling to a striker capable of igniting matches, or cash in for the stability of their books, the sense lingers that Vlahovic’s time in Turin is nearing its conclusion.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The thought of another high-profile forward arriving from Serie A feels familiar, and not always successful. The fear is that United could once again be tempted by reputation instead of reality.

The wages mentioned in Italy are eye-watering. £10 million a year for a player who has been reduced to an impact role at Juventus suggests an expensive gamble. Supporters would point to the club’s need for a coherent strategy, not another marquee name added without regard for balance. We have seen this before, big money spent on a player who may not even suit the Premier League.”

United’s recent history has been littered with transfers that made headlines but failed to solve systemic problems. Many would prefer that funds be directed towards midfield depth or defensive solidity rather than chasing a forward who Juventus are seemingly eager to remove from their wage bill. The concern is that Chelsea’s interest could spark a bidding war, and United’s hierarchy have rarely thrived in those circumstances.

Every rumour linking United to high-cost forwards will be met with scepticism. The desire for quick fixes has already cost years of progress, and fans are increasingly wary of history repeating itself.