After making initial contact with his representatives in April, Liverpool are in talks with Dusan Vlahovic and his agent over a potential summer move, according to a source close to Anfield Central.
The 1.9m forward exploded into life this season and scored 21 Serie A goals for a poor Fiorentina, who finished 13th in Serie A. Vlahovic scored 44% of his side’s goals and was a shining light, earning the nickname ‘the Purple Bomber.’
Liverpool are in the market for a natural goalscorer and have identified Vlahovic as a player that can spearhead their attack next season. Roberto Firmino simply doesn’t score enough to guarantee a starting role anymore even if he is still valued very highly by Klopp.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 08: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Dusan Vlahovic of ACF Fiorentina gestures during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SS Lazio at Stadio Artemio Franchi on May 8, 2021 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Chelsea are also in talks with the Serbian as an alternative to Erling Haaland who will cost an unearthly amount of money this summer. The Blues aren’t convinced that Timo Werner has what it takes to lead the line on his own after he scored just six Premier League goals this season.
A source close to Anfield Central told us that with Liverpool once again in contact with the player and his agent, the Reds understand that a deal for Vlahovic will not be cheap but is certainly cheaper than one would be for Haaland.
Reaching an agreement with Vlahovic over personal terms is not expected to be an issue but the real obstacle will be finding an agreement with Fiorentina, who are under no pressure to sell this summer.
The player is under contract at Stadio Artemio Franchi until June 2023. Liverpool are expected to explore a favourable payment structure to soften the financial blow that signing him would have on their finances.
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 22: Dusan Vlahovic of Fiorentina scores their sides first goal past Wojciech Szczesny of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus and ACF Fiorentina at Allianz Stadium on December 22, 2020 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
According to Maxi Angelo, an Italian football connoisseur, Vlahovic models himself on Haaland, who he studies a lot.
He says: “He doesn’t have the same pace though and is not as involved in the game as Haaland.”
Liverpool are in need of a natural finisher up top as Roberto Firmino’s lack of end product has become something of an issue for the Reds.
