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Juve bid farewell to Vlahovic: Kolo Muani top target, but Spalletti wants more | Gazzetta.it

Juventus has officially bid farewell to Dusan Vlahovic, shifting focus to Kolo Muani as their primary target. Coach Spalletti is also looking for further additions to strengthen the team.

Juventus has officially parted ways with Dusan Vlahovic after a relationship that lasted four and a half years. The Serbian striker's contract renewal has fallen through, leading to his departure from the club without a transfer fee. Juventus is now shifting its focus to new attacking options, including Randal Kolo Muani, Alexander Sorloth, and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Vlahovic's Departure

The conclusion of Vlahovic's time at Juventus comes after a face-to-face meeting with club directors, marking the end of a tenure filled with both achievements and disappointments. Over 1,587 days, Vlahovic scored 68 goals in 168 appearances, but the club only secured one trophy, the 2024 Coppa Italia. Juventus had previously invested heavily in Vlahovic, acquiring him from Fiorentina for 80 million euros, including bonuses. However, he has now left the club as a free agent, seeking a new contract that meets his demands of at least 8 million euros, similar to his initial salary upon joining.

Juventus' Future Plans

In light of Vlahovic's exit, Juventus is looking to bolster its attacking lineup. Coach Luciano Spalletti is particularly interested in signing Kolo Muani, with discussions having resumed with his representatives and Paris Saint-Germain. Additionally, the club is exploring options for a second striker, eyeing Sorloth from Atletico Madrid and Mateta from Crystal Palace. Sorloth had a productive season, scoring 20 goals, while Mateta netted 16 goals despite dealing with a knee injury. Juventus aims to expedite negotiations for Kolo Muani, who will not participate in the World Cup, while the search for the second striker may take longer.

Chiellini's Comments

The breakdown in negotiations was confirmed by Juventus Director of Sporting Strategy Giorgio Chiellini, who expressed regret over the situation. Speaking at an event in Rome, Chiellini stated, "I'm very sorry. Dusan cared about Juve until the very end. He is a serious person." He acknowledged that Vlahovic's salary demands would likely lead him to seek opportunities outside of Italy.

As Juventus navigates this transition, the club is determined to find suitable replacements for Vlahovic, aiming to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season.

Source: gazzetta.it