Barcelona are on the hunt for a new number nine who can eventually take over for Robert Lewandowski, albeit sooner or later, and have been linked to a number of names in that regard. The latest is Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbian striker has been tipped for the top flight since his early teens and was already on Barcelona's radar when he broke through at Fiorentina. However, Juventus surprised the world by spending over €80 million on Vlahovic as the next great number nine in European football. Since then he has had a mixed time with the Bianconeri, scoring goals but without becoming the star many expected. He has scored 12 goals in 24 appearances so far this season, with a total of 53 goals in 125 appearances over the past three years during his time at Juventus.
According to Sport, Barcelona are considering Vlahovic as a potential recruit. They say the Serbian striker is a potential summer target and is being evaluated by Barcelona. Other targets such as Erling Haaland and Viktor Gyokeres are now considered impossible for the Catalan giants due to the finances involved in the deal.
Vlahovic's contract expires in 2026, which could work in Barcelona's favor if a new deal is not agreed before the summer. Arsenal have also shown interest, but the Blaugrana know Juventus will try to sell him this year rather than risk his departure on a free in 2026. It is also noted that Xavi Hernandez was a big fan of Vlahovic, but the opinion of Hansi Flick about him is not known.
Chelsea are another side to have been linked with Vlahovic in recent weeks, and his agent will no doubt be mapping out potential destinations if the time comes. Atletico Madrid have also pursued Vlahovic in the past, as have Real Madrid, although those links have since been denied.
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