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Following an intense confrontation during contract discussions, Dusan Vlahovic is poised to leave Juventus on a free transfer. The Serbian international striker is said to have significantly frustrated the Bianconeri’s senior officials.

As reported by the Italian daily Tuttosport, the disagreement revolved around a salary comparison with his Canadian teammate Jonathan David, which apparently infuriated Juventus executives. Vlahovic is believed to have started the negotiations with an intentionally provocative question: “Why should I earn as much as David?”

The core of the dispute lay in differing financial expectations. In the final year of his contract, the 26-year-old forward earned an impressive €12 million annually in Turin, including performance-related bonuses.

To align with the club’s cost-reduction policy, Juventus offered him a new contract valued at €6 million plus bonuses—the same structure proposed to David. Vlahovic, however, remained firm on his demand for €8 million net, along with additional incentives.

Currently, Juventus enforces a salary ceiling of €7 million per season, a figure that only Kenan Yildiz is known to meet.

With talks collapsing, Vlahovic now looks set to depart Juventus on a free transfer.

Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini confirmed later that evening that negotiations had officially broken down. The former defender added that Vlahovic is almost certain to continue his career abroad, as no Serie A club can afford his wage expectations.

SSC Napoli have been working diligently behind closed doors to lure the striker, though financial constraints are proving a major obstacle. According to Tuttosport, Vlahovic’s representatives recently met with Napoli officials, but the southern club is unlikely to compete successfully in a financial bidding contest.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the situation closely and could make a move for Vlahovic.

In addition to Chelsea, Atlético Madrid and Bayern Munich also possess the financial strength to offer more lucrative deals than Napoli. At Stamford Bridge, there is growing optimism about landing the left-footed forward on a free transfer.

Since joining Juventus from Fiorentina in the winter of 2022 for around €85 million, Vlahovic has netted 68 goals in 168 appearances—a respectable tally, though still short of the club’s lofty expectations.

Could Vlahovic be on his way to Bayern Munich?

FC Bayern have been repeatedly linked with the Serbian striker. Following Nicolas Jackson’s exit, the Munich giants are in search of another attacking option to complement Harry Kane.

Reports suggest that discussions were held in May between Bayern representatives and the player’s camp, with the German side initially viewed as a strong contender. However, those talks have since cooled.

Several other major European clubs have also been associated with Vlahovic, including FC Barcelona, AC Milan, and Premier League outfits Newcastle United and Manchester United.

Dusan Vlahovic: Performance statistics at Juventus