Dusan Vlahovic's Juventus contract is set to expire within days, and the club is facing a significant challenge in renewing his deal.
What's at Stake for Juventus?
The Italian club signed Vlahovic from Fiorentina for close to €80 million, and losing him on a free transfer would be a major blow.
Vlahovic's Demands
Vlahovic's reported demand of €8 million net per season plus a €15 million signing bonus is a significant obstacle in the negotiations.
The Impact on Juventus' Summer Planning
Juventus' new CEO, Giovanni Carnevali, is pushing hard for a renewal, but the situation has become precarious, with Barcelona emerging as a potential suitor.
The Catalan club has made Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez their top priority, but with no agreement reached, Vlahovic has surfaced as an economical alternative.
The Sorloth Complication
Barcelona's interest in Alexander Sorloth, who has been identified as a leading candidate to fill Vlahovic's role at Juventus, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Juventus are already in talks with Atletico over a deal for Sorloth, and Barcelona's interest threatens to derail both of Carnevali's key summer objectives.
Any movement on Alvarez will shape whether Barcelona push harder for Vlahovic or pivot fully to Sorloth, leaving Juventus reacting to external variables.
On 30 June, Juventus' internal deadline for receiving a response from Vlahovic and his father-agent passed without an answer, underlining the uncertainty surrounding the player's future.
Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are also monitoring Vlahovic's situation, while Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Newcastle have shown interest in the past.
Vlahovic will turn 26 as his deal lapses, and his potential departure would be a significant loss for Juventus.
The situation is becoming increasingly complicated, with multiple clubs and players involved, and the outcome is far from certain.
As the transfer window heats up, Juventus must navigate the complex web of interests and negotiations to secure their future, with Vlahovic's decision looming large.