As the summer transfer window progresses, the rumour mill grinds ceaselessly, but few sagas capture the imagination quite like the potential movement of a top-tier striker between rival giants. This year, the spotlight falls squarely on Dusan Vlahovic, a Serbian powerhouse whose future is currently a tantalizingly complex puzzle piece on the Serie A transfer board.
Juventus`s Striker Dilemma
For Juventus, Dusan Vlahovic has become something of a luxurious predicament. Acquired for a substantial fee, his performance has been decent, but his astronomical salary – reportedly just under €24 million gross per season until June 2026 – weighs heavily on the Bianconeri`s balance sheet. In the intricate world of football finance, a player with a high wage and a contract nearing its end becomes a priority for astute management to either renew on more favorable terms or, more likely, offload. Juve`s objective is clear: trim the wage bill and potentially recoup some investment, turning a costly asset into much-needed liquidity or a valuable exchange piece.
AC Milan`s Striker Search
Meanwhile, in the vibrant football hub of Milan, the Rossoneri are diligently searching for a new number nine. With the departure of Luka Jovic, the coveted jersey remains conspicuously vacant, a silent testament to the club`s pressing need for a prolific goalscorer. Milan`s strategy, under CEO Furlani and Sporting Director Tare, involves a calculated patience, often waiting for “opportunities” to arise as other European giants look to offload their own high-earning players. Vlahovic, in this context, presents a compelling, if financially challenging, proposition. He fits the profile of a strong, central forward and is believed to be a player whose attributes are highly valued in the tactical setup Milan seeks to implement.
The Intricacies of a Potential Swap
Behind the scenes, where official denials meet quiet whispers, a potential solution has been brewing: a player exchange. The most prominent name circulating in this sophisticated swap proposal is Malick Thiaw, AC Milan`s promising defender, moving to Turin. For Juventus, who could benefit from defensive reinforcements, particularly if Daniele Rugani departs, Thiaw represents a solid acquisition. For Milan, this exchange offers a pathway to acquiring Vlahovic without shattering their carefully constructed wage structure, which sees star player Rafael Leão earning around €7 million. The challenge, however, lies in squaring the “market value” circle – aligning the valuations of both players to ensure a fair trade, or determining the cash difference required to seal the deal.
“The dance of dollars and desires in the transfer market is a grand spectacle, a strategic ballet where every step is meticulously calculated, and a misstep can lead to a spectacular fall or, worse, a crippling financial headache.”
The Financial Tightrope and Strategic Play
This isn`t merely a simple swap; it`s a high-stakes game of poker. Vlahovic himself is reportedly keen to secure his current lucrative salary for the remainder of his contract, showing little inclination for a significant pay cut. Juventus, desperate to avoid a massive capital loss from a contract resolution, would prefer a transfer or exchange. Milan, acutely aware of Juve`s predicament, is playing the long game. They are prepared to wait until January 2026, when Vlahovic would be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement for a free transfer in the summer of 2026. This tactical leverage puts immense pressure on Juventus to find a resolution this summer.
Beyond Vlahovic, Milan is keeping a watchful eye on other potential “bargain” strikers who might become available as the window draws to a close. Names like Jackson from Chelsea, Darwin Núñez from Liverpool, or Gonçalo Ramos from PSG are reportedly on their radar, but Vlahovic remains the primary target, the “opportunity” too good to pass up if the conditions align.
The Unspoken Truth: A Mutually Beneficial Deal?
Ultimately, despite the public silence and the delicate maneuvering, both clubs are slowly acknowledging that they might just be the solution to each other`s problems. Juventus needs to offload Vlahovic`s salary and potentially reinforce their defense. Milan needs a potent striker and an opportunity that aligns with their financial prudence. The August negotiation period promises to be crucial, determining whether this complex chess match results in a mutually beneficial checkmate or an enduring stalemate.
The number nine shirt at AC Milan remains unclaimed. How much longer will it wait?
Gideon Holt 
Elton Marrow