Newcastle United have intensified their pursuit of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season.
Reports from Italy claim the Magpies have accelerated discussions with the Serbia international’s representatives and have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race for the experienced forward. Encouraging talks are said to have increased optimism that Newcastle could pull off one of the summer’s biggest signings.
Vlahovic’s future has been the subject of growing speculation after contract talks with Juventus collapsed. The 26-year-old is expected to leave the Turin club after failing to reach an agreement over a new deal, attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, including Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
According to reports, Newcastle have stepped up their efforts in recent days and are now working to convince the striker that St James’ Park is the right destination. While no formal agreement has been reached, discussions with the player’s entourage are understood to have been positive.
Strengthening the forward line has become a priority for Howe after last season’s attacking recruits failed to make the desired impact. Newcastle invested in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, but neither consistently delivered the goals expected, prompting the club to search for a proven goalscorer.
Vlahovic would certainly fit that profile. Since establishing himself at Fiorentina before moving to Juventus, the Serbian has built an impressive scoring record, registering 94 Serie A goals and 18 assists in 221 league appearances. He has also scored 16 goals in 41 matches for Serbia, underlining his pedigree on the international stage.
Although Newcastle’s interest is genuine, completing the deal will not be straightforward. With Juventus prepared to let Vlahovic leave, the biggest obstacle is expected to be his salary demands. Previous negotiations over a new contract reportedly broke down because the striker was seeking wages beyond what Juventus were willing to offer, meaning any interested club must be prepared to offer a substantial financial package.
Chelsea continue to monitor the situation and remain contenders for his signature, although recent reports suggest Newcastle have gained momentum after increasing their efforts. Other European clubs are also keeping a close eye on developments should the opportunity arise.
The Magpies have shown they remain ambitious in the transfer market despite ongoing speculation surrounding several of their own players. Midfielder Sandro Tonali continues to attract interest from Tottenham Hotspur, while Arsenal have been linked with captain Bruno Guimaraes. Newcastle also attempted to sign Victor Munoz before the winger opted to join Liverpool, demonstrating the club’s willingness to invest in strengthening the squad.
For Howe, signing a striker of Vlahovic’s calibre would represent a significant statement of intent. The Serbian combines physical presence with proven finishing ability and is entering what should be the peak years of his career.
Whether Newcastle can satisfy his financial demands remains to be seen, but their growing confidence suggests they are determined to give themselves every chance of winning the race for one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
