Juventus are reportedly losing confidence in their chances of reaching an agreement to retain Dusan Vlahovic, prompting the club to step up their search for alternatives. According to La Stampa, Randal Kolo Muani and Jean-Philippe Mateta have emerged as prime candidates to replace the Serbian striker.

The Serbian forward is demanding €8 million per season, either directly or through a substantial signing bonus to be paid in instalments over a short-term contract. This arrangement would ensure he remains the highest-paid player in the squad.

Juventus will keep communication open with Vlahovic until he signs with another club, but the Bianconeri appear ready to shift focus towards Mateta and Kolo Muani. Napoli have already spent heavily to acquire Rasmus Hojlund, but Massimiliano Allegri is expected to push management to attempt a reunion with his former striker. Inter Milan and AC Milan could also join the race.

The Turin-based club previously tried to bring back the 27-year-old in January, but Tottenham Hotspur refused to terminate his loan deal. Juventus executives believe that negotiating with Paris Saint-Germain this time could be easier than before.

Crystal Palace’s star striker has recovered from the knee injury that derailed his potential move to Milan earlier this year. However, he has yet to extend his contract. Mauro Icardi is also being monitored by Juventus as a potential replacement option should negotiations with Vlahovic fall through.

Even if talks continue, Juventus will need to find creative financial solutions to make it appear that Vlahovic’s salary is not being drastically reduced. Ultimately, there might not be a clear resolution. Though highly productive under Luciano Spalletti, Vlahovic is not the only quality centre-forward available. It would be unwise for Juventus to disrupt their wage structure and squad balance for one player. Price and contract terms will be decisive factors in any alternative deals.

In other Serie A news, Juventus and Bayern Munich could be set for a player-exchange agreement this summer as both clubs aim to strengthen their defensive lines. Bayern have been linked with several defenders in recent weeks.

The Bavarian giants are expected to recruit more full-backs following the departure of Raphael Guerreiro at the end of the season. Bayern also anticipate that Sacha Boey will leave permanently after a successful loan spell at Galatasaray during the second half of the campaign.

Die Roten have also been connected with several centre-backs. Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah are currently Bayern’s first-choice central defenders. However, they could look for another centre-back if either Hiroki Ito or Kim Min-jae departs this summer.

Kim Min-jae has been linked with a move away from the club in several transfer windows, but the South Korean defender is reportedly content with his role in the current squad, where he serves as the third-choice centre-back.

The former Napoli defender might return to Serie A as a swap deal between Bayern Munich and Juventus is a possibility. Reports suggest that Gleison Bremer has emerged as one of Bayern’s top transfer targets. The Brazilian defender is expected to leave Juventus this summer, with the Serie A side open to offers after missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification.

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti is said to be eager to reunite with Kim Min-jae, having previously won the Serie A title together at Napoli. The South Korean could move in the opposite direction if Bayern decide to sign Bremer.

Bayern are advised to prioritise signing a young centre-back this summer. Bremer has been outstanding in Serie A over the past few seasons and was part of Brazil’s FIFA World Cup squad, adding both quality and experience to any team he joins.

However, Bayern already possess centre-backs performing at a high level. It may be wiser for them to invest in a younger defender who can develop over the next season and eventually replace Jonathan Tah in the long term.

Bremer could prove to be a valuable addition for Die Roten, though he may not fit into their long-term plans. If Bayern seek an experienced option, someone like Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer would be a more suitable choice. The 27-year-old French defender still has several years left at the top level. In an ideal scenario, Bayern would secure a young centre-back capable of becoming a cornerstone of their defence for years to come.