Tottenham Hotspur transfer guru Fabio Paratici has played down the Premier League side’s rumored interest in in-demand Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic. Paratici acknowledged widespread interest in the Serbia international, albeit he insisted Spurs are not in the race for his signature.
Vlahovic soaked up the limelight as Fiorentina’s headline performer in the wake of Federico Chiesa’s departure for Juventus last season. Though regular followers of Italian football were well aware of the 21-year-old’s potential long ago, the Serb invited attention upon his scoring prowess in 2020/21, netting 21 times in Serie A.
It looks like Vlahovic enjoys playing under the spotlight, as witnessed by his impressive scoring return of six goals from eight matches in all competitions this term. The former Partizan Belgrade youth academy product has scored four times in Serie A this season, with only Lazio’s Ciro Immobile and Inter duo Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez bagging more goals than him.
Despite making his big-scene breakthrough at Fiorentina, Vlahovic seems desperate to make a quantum leap in his career amid growing interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs in his services. The coveted striker has turned down the club’s latest and final proposal to extend his contract at the Artemio Franchi. With his current deal set to run out in summer 2023, Vlahovic could be on his way out of Florence at the end of the season.
While several Premier League and Serie A clubs showcased their interest in Vlahovic, Tottenham were without any doubt the Serb’s most frequently linked suitors in the summer. Terrified of the prospect of losing standout forward Harry Kane to bitter rivals Manchester City, Spurs were thought to be monitoring Vlahovic’s situation at Fiorentina.
Despite fending off numerous attempts from City to bring Kane to the Etihad last summer, Tottenham are still worried about the England captain’s preference. Given Spurs’ long-term struggle title drought, the 28-year-old is reportedly contemplating his future in North London, which gives Paratici and co a sizeable headache.
Vlahovic could be a handsomely-looking long-term replacement for Kane as long as he can maintain his eye-catching exploits. However, Paratici insists the Fiorentina sensation is not part of Spurs’ transfer plans ‘for now.’
“Dusan Vlahovic is appreciated by many clubs, it’s normal – he’s not in our plans, for now,” he said, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano.
With Tottenham out of the race, Juventus could look to seize the opportunity and snap Vlahovic come the summer. The Bianconeri are also interested in the Fiorentina marksman, particularly in light of Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United.