Juventus will struggle to fund a deal for Dusan Vlahovic with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur a more likely destination at this stage, former Fiorentina midfielder Massimo Orlando has told Tuttomercatoweb.
Vlahovic may have been overshadowed by fellow striker Aleksandar Mitrovic during Serbia’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Portugal in Sunday’s World Cup qualifier. But there were still enough glimpses of star quality to get Spurs supporters licking their lips in anticipation.
Midway through the first half, Vlahovic span on a sixpence and thumped a brilliant first-time volley off the post. Minutes later, he picked out a Serbia teammate with the sort of defence-splitting through ball Harry Kane has made his trademark in recent times.
According to Alfredo Pedulla, new Tottenham coach Antonio Conte has revealed his admiration for the irrepressible Vlahovic to managing director Fabio Paratici.
And that’s handy. Because Spurs opened talks to bring one of Europe’s hottest strikers to north London even before Conte’s arrival, when Nuno Espirito Santo was still at the helm.
Will Tottenham win the race for Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic?
“It seems to me (Juventus) have difficulty in making an offer that can reach the levels of Tottenham,” says Orlando, who won the 1996 Coppa Italia with Fiorentina.
“It is difficult for him to stay in Italy. For me, (Viola owner Rocco) Commisso doesn’t want to sell him to Juve.
“Vlahovic, however, proved he has the balls (to join Fiorentina’s biggest rivals) because, on the pitch, he shows he has motivation and the right mindset. For Juve, he would be perfect.”
Vlahovic, who recently turned down the chance to extend his contract at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, has scored eight goals in 12 Serie A games this season.
He’s understood to be valued in the region of £70 million – a fee that would see him replace Tanguy Ndombele as Tottenham’s record signing.
According to reports, Arsenal recently agreed a deal with Fiorentina but Vlahovic wasn’t enamoured by the prospect of joining Spurs’ north London neighbours.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
