Real Madrid have reportedly turned their attention towards Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic over a possible future move.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Dusan Vlahovic has popped up on the radar of Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window. It has been suggested that Los Blancos are eyeing the Fiorentina striker as an emergency option in case they are unable to land Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe.
Dusan Vlahovic joined Fiorentina from Partizan Belgrade in the summer of 2018 and has since only made gradual progress at the Artemio Franchi Stadium. However, the ongoing season has seen the 21-year-old finally enjoy a breakthrough campaign at club level, with a decent haul of 12 goals and 2 assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.
Vlahovic’s progress this season has alerted a number of top clubs across Europe, with widespread reports primarily linking him with AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur. Now, though, Real Madrid have also emerged in pursuit of the 21-year-old Serbian international, as per Fiorentina News (h/t Defensa Central).
Real Madrid are in the market for a striker ahead of the summer transfer window, and for good reason. Karim Benzema is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the final phase of his career, while backup strikers like Mariano Diaz and Luka Jovic – currently on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt – have been largely inconsistent during their respective stints with the Merengues.
As a result, Real Madrid have been keen on signing a top class striker in the summer transfer window, with Erling Haaland reported to be on top of their priority list. To their advantage, Haaland is keen on joining Real Madrid, but they face stiff competition from several other clubs in his pursuit and need to keep their options open.
Kylian Mbappe is another one of their top targets while a return for Cristiano Ronaldo has also been mooted. As per the claims by Fiorentina News, though, Vlahovic has been identified as ‘Plan B’ by Real Madrid, which does not really make a great deal of sense. Instead, the 21-year-old will be the ideal candidate to replace either Mariano or Jovic come summer.
Defensa Central have offered their own take on the rumour as well, claiming that it is in fact Ronaldo who is the backup option if Real Madrid cannot land Haaland or Mbappe. Vlahovic, on the other hand, is expected to receive a new deal by Fiorentina, with a move to Real Madrid unlikely. It now remains to be seen if Los Blancos do make a move for Vlahovic, or if he stay put at Fiorentina instead.