Juventus want to renew Vlahovic’s contract despite Barcelona’s link

Juventus are aiming to hand striker Dusan Vlahovic a new deal ahead of the summer as Barcelona reportedly monitor the situation.

The Serbian striker will become a free agent come summer should he decide not to sign a new contract at the Turin club. 

The position of the club was revealed by director Marco Ottolini, who said the Bianconeri still hope to extend his contract.

Meanwhile, the Serbian national team fitness coach Dusan Ilic said the striker will join Barcelona.

Although there have been talks between both parties at the Allianz Stadium, which have been stalling for several months, as Vlahovic is unwilling to reduce his €12m salary.

Vlahovic has been out of action due to a high-grade adductor injury since December. After a successful surgery, he is expected to return to action next month.

As his future remains uncertain at the club, the injured striker is quite involved in the team, and an instance was his celebration of Pierre Kalulu’s late equaliser against Lazio.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Ottolini said Juventus have considered renewing his contract ahead of his return to action in a few weeks. He added that negotiations will continue, and the matter remains open.

This situation has put Vlahovic in the sights of several clubs, including Milan, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.

 Ilic, in a chat with Tuttosport, predicted that the Juventus forward will move to Spain in the summer.

He also revealed that Vlahovic already talked to Atletico Madrid before joining Juventus. He had held talks with Atletico Madrid, but then picked the Bianconeri, who came with an offer that was impossible to reject.

Ilic said Vlahovic’s injury hit a very specific part that takes longer to heal, adding that the recovery is longer.

“Given the doctors and the specialists he has at his disposal, I can say we’ll see him return soon,” he added.