CM: Pioli makes €40m striker his No.1 target but Roma and Atletico Madrid provide competition

AC Milan are firmly in the running to land Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina but face competition and must pay a big price, according to a report.

The Serbian striker – who has just turned 21 – hit 13 goals for the season in the league with his strike against Genoa yesterday. As Calciomercato.com writes, Fiorentina bet strongly on Vlahovic in the summer, entrusting him with the number 9 shirt, and now Rocco Commisso is trying to find an agreement with his agent for the renewal of his contract, expiring in 2023.

The Fiorentina president has put on the table a salary of €1.2m net per season plus bonuses until 2025, compared to the €400k currently received. Vlahovic has not accepted though, and this stalemate has opened the door for interested clubs.

Fiorentina do not want to sell the Serbian, but could do so if the right offer came in and the current valuation of €40m is destined to rise from now to the end of the season if his good form continues. Vlahovic is Pioli’s first choice for Milan because he is a striker who loves to contribute to the build-up play.

Roma tried last summer without success and is still in the running, ready to insert players in a swap deal that Fiorentina would like. Atletico Madrid are also keen though, as Simeone expressed his desire to coach Vlahovic next season. The Spanish club have begun talks with his entourage with the clear intention of overcoming the Italian competition.