Exclusive: Aston Villa well placed to agree sensational signing for just ‘£30m’
Aston Villa are plotting an ambitious move to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Juventus are keen to cash in on the 25-year-old before his contract runs out at the end of next season.
As a result, he could be available for as little as £30million, placing a number of top European clubs on high alert about the possibility of a deal.
Football Insider revealed last month that Tottenham could sign Vlahovic, while former Villa scout Mick Brown revealed Man United and Arsenal want the Juventus star.
Villa are now eyeing the Serbia international as a result of his availability following Jhon Duran’s January exit, which has provided them with the funds to spend big this summer.
Unai Emery wants to provide competition for Ollie Watkins and potentially an option to play alongside the England man, but it will not be an easy deal to do.
Aston Villa to rival Arsenal for Dusan Vlahovic deal
Vlahovic has plenty of admirers across Europe despite his uninspiring spell at Juventus, as he has so far failed to live up to the potential he showed before his move from Fiorentina.
Arsenal scouts have been regularly watching Vlahovic after they missed out on a big-money deal to sign him when he turned down a move to the Emirates in 2021.
So far this season, he has scored 14 goals and provided three assists across 35 appearances in all competitions following last season’s 18 goals in 38 appearances.
Juventus are now willing to let him leave this summer after they have been unable to reach an agreement in contract talks, as they set their sights elsewhere.
However, sources say Aston Villa may need to qualify for next season’s Champions League if they want to compete with other interested clubs for his signature.
| Dusan Vlahovic | |
| Appearances | 136 |
| Goals | 55 |
| Assists | 12 |
| Major Honours | 1x Italian Cup |
Marcus Rashford permeant deal hits significant hurdle
On top of an ambitious move to sign Vlahovic, Villa are also planning to make Marcus Rashford’s loan move permanent following his impressive recent form.
However, Football Insider revealed on 3 April that Rashford must take a pay cut if he wants to make the permanent move to Villa Park this summer.
The England forward has a £40million option to buy in his loan deal, but his lofty wage demands are expected to make the deal difficult for Villa.
Football Insider revealed on 31 March that Villa face paying £130million over five years in wages and transfer fee if they sign Rashford at his current £350,000-a-week salary.
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