Aston Villa Targeting Dusan Vlahovic: Could He Be the Answer to Villa’s Striker Search?

Aston Villa are reportedly setting their sights on Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, a player who could provide the attacking power they need for a push toward European competition. As per TEAMtalk, the Serbian international is increasingly likely to leave Juventus in the summer, with his current contract expiring in 2026. Aston Villa’s interest in Vlahovic adds to a growing list of clubs monitoring his situation, including Arsenal, who were previously linked with the striker.

Juventus Contract Stalemate

Dusan Vlahovic’s future at Juventus remains uncertain. While the club is open to offering him a new deal, the terms would be significantly lower than his current salary. “Juventus are open to offering Vlahovic a new deal but only on lower terms than his current salary of around £215,000 per week. As a result, he looks set to leave the Bianconeri this summer.” This development has made it increasingly likely that Vlahovic will be heading elsewhere in the summer, with the player’s entourage reportedly offering him to clubs across Europe, including Newcastle, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, and Marseille.

Aston Villa’s interest in Vlahovic is now seen as concrete, with the Midlands club seriously considering a move for the Serbian forward. Villa have been in the market for a new centre-forward since selling Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for around £65 million in January. Although Villa made a loan move for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, with an option to buy for £40 million, Rashford has been primarily deployed on the left wing, meaning Villa still need a traditional number nine to compete with Ollie Watkins.

Vlahovic’s Appeal to Aston Villa

Aston Villa’s pursuit of Vlahovic could be seen as a key strategic move as they look to challenge for a European spot next season. Currently fighting for a Champions League qualification spot, Villa’s strong position in the Premier League makes them an attractive option for Vlahovic, who would be drawn to the opportunity to play in European competition.

Vlahovic’s goal-scoring record at Juventus is impressive, with 55 goals in 133 appearances. His physicality, speed, and eye for goal could be the perfect complement to Villa’s attacking setup, providing a more direct focal point in the final third. With Ollie Watkins performing well for Villa, Vlahovic could add an extra dimension to the attack, providing healthy competition and potentially a long-term solution to their centre-forward position.

Arsenal and Villa’s Competition for Vlahovic

Vlahovic has long been linked with Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta reportedly seeing the striker as one of his favourites. “Vlahovic remains on Arsenal’s shortlist and sources state he is ‘one of Mikel Arteta’s favourites’,” TEAMtalk reports. However, despite Arsenal’s previous interest, the club did not make a move for the striker in the January window, and it remains to be seen whether they will push for his signature this summer.

With both Villa and Arsenal eyeing Vlahovic, the race for the Juventus striker is expected to be competitive. However, Villa’s growing stature and potential involvement in European football could be a compelling factor in their favour. A bid of around £50 million is reportedly enough to secure Vlahovic, a fee that Villa could be willing to meet in their pursuit of strengthening their attack.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic feels like an exciting and strategic move for the club. Vlahovic’s pedigree in Serie A is undeniable, and his goal-scoring ability would add firepower to Villa’s attack. While Ollie Watkins has been solid for Villa, the addition of a player like Vlahovic would give the club the depth and quality needed to challenge for European football next season. With the club’s strong push for a Champions League spot, Vlahovic’s potential arrival could be a game-changer.

However, the presence of Arsenal in the race for Vlahovic makes the situation tricky. Arsenal’s current standing in the Premier League and their ability to offer Champions League football could be more appealing to Vlahovic. Nonetheless, Villa’s project under Unai Emery is steadily growing, and European football seems increasingly likely for Villa. The attraction of playing in Europe for a club with such ambition could very well tip the scales in Villa’s favour.