Dusan Vlahovic scored 21 goals in Serie A for Fiorentina last season. (imago Images)
According to The Shields Gazette, Manchester City are keen on signing Fiorentina ace Dusan Vlahovic. The 21-year-old has continued his brilliant form from last season and has not shown any signs of slowing down.
The Serbian international developed in the Partizan Belgrade academy and featured for their senior team as well. However, in 2018, Fiorentina snapped him up, and it has since been a profitable investment. Vlahovic has been vital in recent seasons as he has ensured that the Italian club are well above the relegation zone. He is their prized asset but could now be out of the club soon.
Will the striker benefit from leaving Italy? And do Manchester City need his services?
The Serbian joined Fiorentina in 2018 and became a brute force for them last season. He scored 21 goals in 37 Serie A games, putting him only behind Romelu Lukaku, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luis Muriel. To put his contribution into perspective, he contributed to 45% of the club’s goals (47) in the league.
He also removed any doubts of being a one-season wonder by already bagging 12 goals in 14 games this season. Thus, he shall certainly be a big miss for the Italian side. However, their loss could be Man City’s gain.
The Etihad outfit tried to sign Harry Kane in the summer and threw the kitchen sink at it. But Daniel Levy did not budge, and the Tottenham Hotspur star remained put in North London. However, City remain interested in securing the signature of a top-class forward.
Vlahovic certainly fits the bill and could become a goal monster under Pep Guardiola. Moreover, the Citizens lost Sergio Aguero on a free transfer to Barcelona this summer. While they have racked up quite a lot of goals despite an out and out centre-forward, they are in close competition with Chelsea and Liverpool over the league title.
If they do add the Serbian striker in January, he could prove to be the difference-maker in a hotly contested title chase. Additionally, the Spanish boss will be looking to win the Champions League after losing in the final last season. The reigning league champions are already cruising and could fire to the top by bringing in the 21-year-old mid-season.
The centre-forward has rejected a contract extension and Fiorentina are thought to be demanding a fee in the region of £70million for his services, with the Sun claiming that the striker could be sold in January if the ‘price is right’. But that might not be a problem for Guardiola & co, who have spent nearly £1billion in the last half a decade.
However, they do have competition for the player’s signature. Tottenham and Newcastle United are also both interested in landing the striker. The Toon Army are boosted by their recent takeover and could be an important party in any bidding war, if it were to arise.
Thus, there are several factors to consider before negotiating personal terms with the striker. Regardless, unlike other clubs, City can offer the prospect of competing for the biggest trophies year-in and year-out. But if they wish to win their maiden UCL trophy and establish a football dynasty under Pep, then signing quality players such as Vlahovic is highly advised.
