Paris Saint-Germain mega star Kylian Mbappe is still top of Real Madrid’s wishlist, but Los Blancos are unwilling to waste another summer chasing his signature.
According to Calciomercato, Madrid are running out of patience with the Frenchman and could turn to Juventus underachiever Dusan Vlahovic to address a lack of an out-and-out centre-forward.
Despite being handed an ultimatum by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Mbappe is still undecided about his future after refusing to extend his contract that runs out next summer.
His contractual situation has put Madrid on red alert, but Madrid have learnt their lesson after squandering the last summer transfer window on a wild goose chase.
Determined not to repeat the same mistake this year, Los Merengues are already exploring other opportunities in the market, including Inter Milan leader Lautaro Martinez.
But the Spaniards are aware the Nerazzurri will likely demand an exorbitant transfer fee to sanction the Argentine’s exit, hence their interest in Vlahovic.
Unlike the 25-year-old, the Juventus flop could be an attainable target, considering the record-time Serie A champions are open to discussing his summer departure.
Whether it’s been because of Massimiliano Allegri’s defensive-minded philosophy or Vlahovic’s inability to adapt to his new surroundings, the Serb has failed to live up to his €70 million price tag.
He often traded places with Arkadiusz Milik in Allegri’s starting line-up last season, making only 22 league starts, although it’s worth mentioning he was a regular starter in the Champions League group stage.
Vlahovic finished the 2022/23 campaign with 14 goals and four assists from 42 appearances in all competitions, leading Juventus to believe they can find a better option to lead the line.
They are ready to sit down with Madrid and discuss the former Fiorentina man’s move to La Liga, albeit they’re unlikely to ask for anything less than they paid La Viola in January 2022.
However, Los Blancos harbour some hope of convincing Juventus to accept a loan with an obligation to buy.
