As the speculation over Kylian Mbappe’s future intensifies, Paris Saint-Germain is actively seeking a worthy replacement. The latest name on their radar is none other than Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who has caught the attention of PSG’s decision-makers.
Following Mbappe’s decision not to trigger the one-year extension option in his contract, PSG is determined to find a suitable replacement. Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the club’s president, has made it clear that Mbappe will not be allowed to leave without a significant financial transaction.
While Mbappe has expressed his desire to continue donning the Parisian colors for the upcoming season, PSG is not entertaining the idea. Instead, they are exploring a shortlist of potential candidates to fill the void at the tip of their attack, with Dusan Vlahovic emerging as a standout option.
Vlahovic’s journey to the spotlight has been a rollercoaster ride. The Serbian international was courted by Arsenal in January 2022 but ultimately signed with Juventus in a deal worth €81.6m (£69.7m). However, his performances in black and white have left much to be desired, with 23 goals and six assists from 63 games so far.
The 23-year-old striker experienced a mixed season, finding the back of the net 10 times in the 2022-23 Serie A campaign. However, his goal-scoring form dwindled toward the end, scoring only four goals in his last 18 appearances and enduring an 11-match scoreless streak from February to April.
With Juventus finishing in seventh place and receiving a 10-point deduction for financial irregularities, Vlahovic’s potential departure from the club seems plausible. Although he is under contract until 2026, Juventus may be open to selling him if a suitable bid comes their way.
Contrary to previous reports, it appears that Chelsea is not in the running for Vlahovic, as they have already bolstered their attack with the signings of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson this summer. Bayern Munich is another admirer of Vlahovic, but their primary focus is currently on securing a deal for Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane.
PSG, on the other hand, has been proactive in the transfer market, bringing in Lee Kang-in and Marco Asensio as new attacking reinforcements from Mallorca and Real Madrid. Additionally, they have secured the services of Milan Skriniar, Manuel Ugarte, and Lucas Hernandez. However, head coach Luis Enrique is eager to add more new faces to the squad ahead of his debut season.
As the transfer saga unfolds, all eyes are on PSG and their pursuit of a worthy successor to the electrifying Mbappe. Could Dusan Vlahovic be the answer to their striking needs? Only time will tell if the Serbian star will make the move from Turin to Paris and transform PSG’s attack.
