Erik ten Hag looks to learn from Mikel Arteta mistake in bid to replace Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is looking to capitalise on Mikel Arteta’s misfortune and secure the signature of Dusan Vlahovic in a bid to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Arsenal manager was desperate to land the Serbian international in the January transfer window of last year, but Vlahovic eventually opted to join Italian giants Juventus. While things eventually worked out for the Gunners when they signed Gabriel Jesus last summer, missing out on Vlahovic cost them top four last term in the eyes of some.
Meanwhile, United remain without a long-term option of their own to lead the line following Ronaldo’s departure at the end of last year. The Red Devils brought in Burnley striker Wout Weghorst on loan for the remainder of the season, but he is unlikely to stay beyond that.
As a result, the attention of those at the top of the United hierarchy has turned to Vlahovic, it is claimed. Reportedly keen on an exit from Turin, it is likely that the 23-yea-old would be interested in a move to Manchester.
Juventus have been punished for artificially inflating transfer fees to boost capital gains and in turn deducted 15 points in the Serie A table. The Serie A giants were also eliminated from the Champions League earlier on this season at the group stage.
It is likely, given their precarious situation, Juventus would be willing to cash in on Vlahovic, especially as the Serbian is one of the few assets they currently boast that would garner a decent transfer fee.
Reports are emerging from Italy that both United and fellow Premier League rivals Arsenal are in the race to try and give Vlahovic the departure he wants a year into his Juventus stay.
The figure currently being touted is around £80million and while the Gunners seem more interested in strengthening in other areas, United are under no illusions that their strike-force needs bolstering.
It is for that reason that Vlahovic is not the only striker that United are keeping tabs on, with a number of other candidates making up the full Red Devils striker short-list.
That includes fellow Serie A goal-getter Victor Osimhen, who currently leads the Italian scoring charts this season with 14 goals and three assists to match.
Closer to home, Tottenham’s Harry Kane is thought to have plenty of admirers over at Old Trafford. The England captain has been in sensational form yet again this season and sees his Spurs contract expire in the summer of 2024.
Due to the expiration date of Kane’s contract, this summer presents Spurs with their last real chance to cash in on the striker if they are to stand any chance of recouping a decent fee and therefore could open the door for United to swoop.
