Napoli are reportedly weighing up a move for free agent striker Dusan Vlahovic, though any deal remains contingent on Romelu Lukaku leaving the club this summer.
The Serbia international has been without a club for almost a month since his Juventus contract expired on 30 June, leaving him free to negotiate with any interested party without a transfer fee. The Turin side had attempted to agree new terms with the 26-year-old before the deadline, but the two parties failed to reach an agreement despite several rounds of negotiations over an extension.
Napoli’s Striking Conundrum
The Partenopei could face a shortage of senior centre-forwards if Lukaku departs alongside Lorenzo Lucca, who is also expected to leave the Stadio Maradona. Should both players move on before the transfer window closes, Rasmus Hojlund would remain as the only experienced option in attack for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
This potential shortage has prompted sporting director Giovanni Manna to explore options. According to reports, Manna held discussions with Vlahovic’s father-agent at the beginning of June, establishing early contact before the striker officially became a free agent. These talks occurred as Napoli were planning their squad overhaul ahead of the new campaign.
The Allegri Connection
The club’s interest in Vlahovic has been strengthened significantly by the arrival of Allegri as head coach. The Italian manager previously worked with the Serbian striker at Juventus and knows his capabilities well. Last summer, Allegri had already attempted to bring Vlahovic to Milan during his time there, demonstrating a long-standing appreciation for the player’s qualities.
Market Situation
While Vlahovic had initially been linked with moves to the Premier League and LaLiga, Turkish side Besiktas have reportedly shown the only concrete interest to date. The striker had reportedly been holding out for approaches from top English or Spanish clubs, but no formal offers have materialised from those markets since his departure from Turin.
Juventus themselves have not completely ruled out a reunion, though sources indicate that any return would require a significant set of compromises from both the player and the club. For now, Vlahovic continues to assess his limited options as the summer transfer window progresses, with Napoli representing a potential domestic solution should their attacking situation change.