The Vlahovic-Milan Conundrum: A High-Stakes Summer Chess Match

As the summer transfer window heats up, a fascinating saga is quietly unfolding in Italian football. The potential move of Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus to AC Milan is more than just a player transfer; it`s a strategic dance, a complex negotiation fraught with financial intricacies and tactical considerations. While official declarations remain scarce, the whispers are growing louder, suggesting a solution that could benefit both Serie A giants.

Milan`s Striker Imperative and Juventus`s Costly Asset

AC Milan finds itself in a familiar predicament: the search for a potent number nine. With Jovic`s departure, the iconic Milanese shirt remains vacant, a symbol of the tactical void needing to be filled. Coach Max Allegri is reportedly keen on Vlahovic, recognizing the Serbian`s raw talent and potential to lead the line. Yet, Milan`s approach is one of cautious optimism, a testament to their desire for a “bomber” without breaking the bank.

On the other side of the negotiation table sits Juventus, grappling with the challenge of an expensive asset. Vlahovic`s current contract, extending until June 2026, comes with a substantial gross salary of nearly 24 million Euros annually. This financial burden, coupled with a need to manage their balance sheet (Vlahovic is valued at around 20 million Euros on their books), makes offloading the striker a priority. The question isn`t whether Juventus wants to move Vlahovic, but how to do so without incurring a significant financial loss or, worse, resorting to a contract termination – a “last resort” that would lead to a substantial capital loss.

The Unspoken Dialogue: Vlahovic`s Future in Focus

Despite public pronouncements of no official talks, sources indicate that lines of communication between the two clubs have been open for some time. Discussions reportedly surfaced in January regarding Tomori and again in June concerning Kalulu`s buy-back option, during which Vlahovic`s name was indeed floated. The entry of Saudi club Al Hilal with a 25 million Euro offer temporarily diverted Milan`s attention, but the underlying interest in Vlahovic persisted. It appears both clubs are beginning to realize that, perhaps, they hold the solution to each other`s problems.

The Strategic Stalemate: Swap Deals and Waiting Games

The complexity of this potential transfer is encapsulated in what has been dubbed a “maxi chess game.” Neither club wants to make the first move and risk overpaying. For Juventus, selling Vlahovic outright without securing a replacement or absorbing his salary hit is undesirable. For Milan, paying a hefty transfer fee and matching Vlahovic`s current astronomical wages would disrupt their carefully managed salary structure, where Rafael Leao, their highest earner, commands approximately 7 million Euros.

The Thiaw Factor: A Potential Piece in the Puzzle

The most viable path to a deal appears to be a player-plus-cash exchange. Milan defender Malick Thiaw (or less likely, Pavlovic) has emerged as a potential makeweight. Juventus could use a defensive reinforcement, especially if Rugani departs, making Thiaw an attractive option. This swap could help balance the valuations of the players involved, making the overall financial package more palatable for both sides. The key, however, remains Vlahovic`s willingness to accept a reduced salary at Milan and Milan`s resolve not to overspend on his transfer fee.

Beyond Vlahovic: Milan`s Broader Striker Strategy

While Vlahovic remains a prime target, Milan`s transfer strategy extends beyond a single name. Having secured Estupinan for the left flank and addressing the Jashari situation, the focus is now squarely on the right flank and, crucially, a central striker. The club`s leadership, including CEO Furlani and Sporting Director Tare, are actively monitoring the market for “opportunity” strikers. Players like Chelsea`s Jackson, Liverpool`s Darwin Nuñez, and PSG`s Gonçalo Ramos are on their radar, potentially becoming available at more agreeable prices as the summer progresses and other big European clubs look to offload their own “excesses.” This patient, calculated approach means Milan is willing to wait until August to secure the best deal.

The Bottom Line: A Transfer Saga for the Ages?

The dance between Milan and Juventus over Dusan Vlahovic is a microcosm of modern football transfers: a blend of tactical needs, financial pressures, and strategic patience. Juventus wants to shed a high earner and balance its books; Milan needs a formidable striker who fits their coach`s vision without breaking their wage structure. The vacant number nine jersey at San Siro stands as a silent sentinel, awaiting its next occupant. Whether it will be Vlahovic, arriving via a complex swap and a salary adjustment, or another opportunistic signing, remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the summer transfer window of 2025 is far from over, and this high-stakes chess match promises more intriguing moves.