Man Utd make Vlahovic decision but face five-team European tussle

Man Utd's next six Premier League fixtures

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Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to attempt to sign Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus in the January transfer window. The Serbia international could be cashed in on by the Serie A side in a bid to resolve some of their reported financial strain.

Signing a striker is a priority for Erik ten Hag next month at United, having previously failed to acquire one over the summer. Instead, Marcus Rashford has been deployed in the role for the opening stages of the season and has relished the return to his former position.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo having his contract at Old Trafford mutually terminated leaves the Dutchman short of depth in the final third. Anthony Martial is a player that Ten Hag is particularly fond of, but the Frenchman’s injury problems are making him hard to rely on.

Therefore, according to II Corriere Dello Sport, United have become the fifth club interested in signing Vlahovic, who has scored six in 10 Serie A appearances so far this season. The Serbian is widely regarded as one of the most talented prospects in Italy and a move to the Premier League could bolster his reputation further.

Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich are all also reportedly monitoring Vlahovic’s situation in hope of signing him next month. Thus, there is certainly the possibility of a bidding war breaking out.

The Gunners are long-term admirers of Vlahovic and attempted to sign the 22-year-old last January before he opted to leave Fiorentina for Juve. Following an injury sustained by Gabriel Jesus at the World Cup, Mikel Arteta is pushing for another No 9 in January.

Chelsea have also quickly amended their transfer plans in January due to an injury, with Armando Broja set to remain on the sidelines until next season. The Albanian was one of the Blues’ two natural strikers, leaving Graham Potter short of experience in the final third – with the ex-Brighton boss expected to be well-backed in January to plug holes in his squad where he deems necessary.

United splashed the cash over the summer to give Ten Hag the foundations of a squad capable of pushing for a top-four finish, though whether he will have the power to spend to conclude his shopping spree next month remains to be seen. With the Glazers putting the club up for sale, one has to wonder whether the American family are willing to invest further into the squad.

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