Latest developments
- Manchester United are joining the race to sign Dusan Vlahovic.
- The Serbian forward has also being tracked by Arsenal and Chelsea.
- Talks over a new Juventus deal for Vlahovic have broken down.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Reputable correspondent reporting
Man Utd are keen on signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, creating a three-way tussle with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal for the forward.
This news was broken by footballinsider247.com and their top transfer correspondent, Peter O'Rourke, though he has given little detail over his sources.
Value (4/5): Juventus resigned to a sale?
The Blues' and Gunners‘ interest comes from Vlahovic being available for around £55 million, less than half the £115 million that Newcastle want for the Londoners' initial target, Alexander Isak.
An attractive price for the Red Devils, too, £55 million is more or less in line with his market value, as Juve boss Thiago Motta doesn't see the 24-year-old as part of his long-term plans in Turin, and Vlahovic wants to secure his future.
Suitability (4.5/5): A first-rate striker
Vlahovic is one of the best centre-forwards in Europe right now, notching his fourth UEFA Champions League goal of the season last night against United's rivals Man City.
Playing in major tournaments with Serbia, plus his European experience suggests he will have no issue adapting to the Premier League, where he can provide the role at Old Trafford that Viktor Gyokeres had at Sporting under Ruben Amorim.
Upgrade? (4.5/5): United's striker improving
Rasmus Hojlund was too inconsistent, and Joshua Zirkzee was a flop – that was the view of United's two centre-forwards before Ruben Amorim took over. However, that new-manager bounce has brought an improvement out of the the pair, who have scored five goals between them since Amorim's arrival.
That said, neither of them are at the level of Vlahovic, who should walk into the starting XI.
Logic (3/5): Top striker a priority
Reasonably priced centre-forwards don't appear on the market all that often, and with a target man on Amorim's shopping list, it makes perfect sense for United to throw their hat into the ring.
A new challenge with his future secured after a few years in Italy would be enticing for Vlahovic, but is he going to be interested in a rebuilding project at United? Title challenges and Champions League football at Arsenal might be his first choice.
Whisper+ verdict: 19/25
This is the kind of statement transfer that United need, especially in a position which is still up in the air, but they will have to work hard to beat Chelsea an Arsenal in this fight.
