Napoli are reportedly considering a move for free agent Dusan Vlahovic, with the former Juventus striker emerging as a target if Romelu Lukaku leaves this summer.
Napoli are reportedly keeping a close eye on free agent Dusan Vlahovic as they prepare for the possibility of Romelu Lukaku leaving the club before the end of the summer transfer window.
The Serbia international has been without a club since his contract with Juventus expired on June 30. Despite several attempts by the Turin giants to secure him on a new deal, the two parties failed to reach an agreement, allowing the 26-year-old to become a free agent.
Vlahovic had been expected to attract interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with speculation linking him to teams in the Premier League and La Liga. However, reports suggest Turkish side Besiktas remain the only club to have made a concrete approach so far.
According to Italian sources, Juventus have not completely ruled out bringing Vlahovic back despite his departure. However, any reunion would require major compromises from both the club and the player, making such a scenario difficult at this stage.
Napoli could instead provide the striker with an opportunity to remain in Serie A. The reigning Italian champions are believed to be assessing their attacking options, particularly if Lukaku leaves the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona during the current transfer window.
The club could also part ways with Lorenzo Lucca, who is no longer considered part of the long-term plans. If both forwards depart, Rasmus Hojlund would be left as Napoli’s only experienced senior center-forward, increasing the need for another proven striker.
That situation could open the door for Vlahovic, who is already familiar with new Napoli head coach Massimiliano Allegri. The experienced manager previously coached the Serbian during their time together at Juventus and also attempted to bring him to AC Milan during last summer’s transfer window.
Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has also reportedly maintained contact with Vlahovic’s representatives, holding talks with the striker’s father and agent at the beginning of June. With uncertainty surrounding Lukaku’s future, Napoli could soon turn their long-standing interest into a serious move for the former Juventus forward.
