Juventus target Osimhen for post-Vlahovic era | OneFootball

Juventus have clear ideas about how to replace Dusan Vlahovic next summer, as Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is reportedly their primary target, although the Old Lady are aware they would have to overcome several hurdles in negotiations with the Partenopei.

The Serbian striker has just concluded a three-year cycle at the Bianconeri, and his stint at the Allianz Stadium is not expected to last beyond the next six months, with his agents recently deciding to interrupt contract extension talks after learning that the club would not be open to increasing his wages.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 03: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus is challenged by Malick Thiaw of AC Milan during the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between AC Milan and Juventus at Al Awwal Park on January 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

With Vlahovic’s contract expiring in 2026, Juventus will be eager to sell him in the summer to avoid losing the 25-year-old as a free agent, and the Nigeria international has emerged as the club’s preferred option to lead their attack starting next season.

Osimhen emerges as Juventus top target to replace Vlahovic

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bianconeri director Cristiano Giuntoli is a huge admirer of Osimhen, whom he had already signed at Napoli in 2020, and would be thrilled to work with him again in Turin.

Juventus hope to leverage the connection between Giuntoli and the loanee to persuade him to turn down offers from other suitors and join the Old Lady at the end of the season when he will return to the Stadio Maradona after his loan at the Partenopei.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – NOVEMBER 7: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates victory during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Galatasaray A.S. and Tottenham Hotspur at Rams Park on November 7, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

However, Napoli are expected to be reluctant to sell one of their 2023 Scudetto stars to their Serie A rivals, especially considering his €75m release clause only applies to foreign clubs.

The Bianconeri are confident that selling Vlahovic would help them raise funds, helping them make a lucrative offer that the Partenopei could be tempted to accept, as they believe Osimhen’s ability to combine speed, physicality, and clinical finishing, as well as his knowledge of Serie A, would make him a perfect addition.