Manchester United have reportedly been offered a prime opportunity to secure the services of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer.

Although Juventus, commonly known as the Old Lady, were eager to keep hold of Vlahovic, the 26-year-old Serbian has decided to test the free agency market after failing to reach an agreement on a new deal. Negotiations had been ongoing for several months, but journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has confirmed that the final round of talks also ended without success.

According to Sky Sports reporter Di Marzio, who is considered a highly reliable source for Serie A news, “Juventus met with Dusan Vlahovic’s representatives yesterday. This much-anticipated meeting was aimed at clarifying the player’s future, but the parties failed to reach an agreement on continuing their relationship.”

As a result, the Serbian international will depart the Allianz Stadium at the end of the month, concluding his four-and-a-half-year tenure with the Turin giants. During his 168 appearances for Juventus, Vlahovic netted 68 goals and contributed 16 assists.

There remains a belief that the forward has the potential to surpass these numbers, given his earlier record of 57 goal contributions in 108 matches for Fiorentina before completing his £60 million transfer to Juventus.

Standing tall at 6’3” and combining physical strength with deceptive speed and a powerful left foot, Vlahovic’s qualities as a centre-forward are evident. While a big-money purchase might carry risk, the prospect of acquiring such a player on a free transfer represents a golden opportunity for any elite club seeking an experienced No. 9 — a profile that fits Manchester United’s current requirements.

United’s management, led by Michael Carrick, are focusing heavily on overhauling the midfield this summer, with as much as £150 million reportedly allocated to rejuvenate that department. However, finding a dependable striker to share the attacking load with Benjamin Sesko also remains a key objective.

Joshua Zirkzee’s move from Bologna in 2024 for £36.5 million has proven disappointing, as the Dutch forward has managed just nine goals in 75 appearances for the Red Devils. He is expected to return to Italy should an appropriate offer emerge.

If Zirkzee departs, Manchester United are prepared to accelerate their pursuit of a new striker. Brentford’s Igor Thiago and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta are among the names shortlisted, though both would demand significant transfer fees. Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi is considered a dream target, but his acquisition would involve an enormous outlay.

In contrast, Vlahovic would be available on a free transfer, though his wage expectations could influence the total cost. Reports suggest the Serbian is seeking a weekly salary of approximately £165,000.

According to TEAMtalk, intermediaries representing Vlahovic have approached several Premier League sides, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Everton. The report adds that Chelsea are currently leading the race, stating: “Chelsea are among the clubs best positioned to capitalise and are highly interested in a move for the striker, who has an impressive record of 136 senior career goals for club and country.”

Outside England, Atletico Madrid are also strongly linked with Vlahovic, as Diego Simeone’s side brace for potential departures of key attackers Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez.

At this stage, there is no indication that Manchester United have made a decisive move for the former Fiorentina man, despite holding preliminary discussions to gauge his availability. Since INEOS took charge in 2024, the club has been striving to move away from its previous strategy of awarding high-value contracts to marquee signings.

Nonetheless, Vlahovic remains a player yet to reach his peak, and sources close to him suggest he has turned down offers from Saudi Arabia, expressing his desire to “continue playing at the highest level in Europe.” Should United manage to negotiate a reasonable wage package, acquiring the Serbian forward could prove a smart and cost-effective way to strengthen their attack while keeping their primary transfer funds focused on midfield reinforcements.