Dusan Vlahovic is reportedly considering a contract extension at Juventus despite heavy interest from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Chelsea as his contract runs out.

Once considered a certainty to leave as his contract enters its final months, Vlahovic is now at the heart of a transfer drama that has gripped Serie A. The 26-year-old’s contract is running out, which means he could be a free agent in the summer. 

If a renewal isn’t signed soon, he will become one of the most sought-after free agents in modern history, a prospect that has Europe’s elite circling like sharks.

Barcelona is leading the pack of admirers, viewing Vlahovic as the ideal long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski. With the legendary Polish forward expected to move on, the Catalan giants are desperate for a world-class replacement that fits their tight budget.

In Madrid, Atletico are also keeping a very close watch on the situation. Diego Simeone’s side is currently uncertain about the futures of Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth, both of whom have attracted interest from elsewhere.

The Premier League’s financial heavyweights are, as expected, not far behind. Newcastle United and Chelsea are both reportedly monitoring the situation. Both clubs have the financial resources to offer a competitive package, and they view Vlahovic as a proven goalscorer who could handle the physicality of English football. Should talks in Turin collapse, the race to bring the Serbian to the Premier League will likely become a bidding war.

However, the mood in Turin is shifting thanks to the Spalletti Factor. With Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti reportedly close to agreeing to a new contract, the club hierarchy is reassessing its plan for the frontline. There is a growing belief that letting a 26-year-old in his prime leave for nothing would be a massive strategic failure. Consequently, the door for a fresh round of contract talks has been pried back open, much to the surprise of his external suitors.

On the pitch, Vlahovic is nearing a return from injury and is said to be hungry to finish the season on a high note. Despite a season hampered by fitness issues, he has still managed to chip in with six goals and two assists. Juventus remains confident that if he can stay healthy, he can deliver a decisive run of form that justifies a long-term commitment, especially as other attacking options in the squad have struggled for consistency.

The biggest obstacle remaining is the financial aspect. Vlahovic currently earns a massive €12 million per season, a figure Juventus simply cannot afford to maintain under their new fiscal discipline. Any renewal would require a significant compromise on the player’s part regarding his wages. 

For now, the future remains wide open, and Vlahovic’s many admirers will have to wait just a little longer to see if the Turin soap opera ends in a goodbye or a new beginning.