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Which Premier League suitor will win the race for Vlahovic?

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Twelve months ago, Dusan Vlahovic was a topic of discussion reserved mainly for Florence natives with a penchant for following Fiorentina. His exploits were catching the eye of a wider Serie A audience, but interest was more domestic than international. Word travels fast, though, and murmurs regarding the emergence of a special talent in Italy have pricked the ears of Premier League suitors that are forever in the market for hidden gems.

That is not to say that Vlahovic will come cheap, far from it. But his stock has soared to the point that a big-money move is now a case of when, not if. A somewhat frenzied pursuit has been set in motion, with big-spending outfits hoping to be the first to arrive at Stadio Artemio Franchi with cash in hand.

For them, the time is right to speculate and accumulate, with the January transfer window presenting another opportunity in which to acquire important pieces of trophy-chasing puzzles. With major silverware up for grabs, big business can deliver rich rewards.

One careful scour of the market could be all it takes to produce jackpot-winning results. There are plenty of tools available in the modern era to aid that process, with managers now able to collate important data the same way a first-time buyer shops for a mortgage at Trussle, or a casino player searches for promos and deals at Bonusfinder. The point being, there is a wealth of information out there, for everyone from managers to punters to take advantage of. And with information king in the battle to be one step ahead, competing recruiters wanting to sign Vlahovic better get onboard.

Vlahovic is fast becoming a top prize that many have their eye on.

It is easy to see why, with the Serbia international enjoying a meteoric rise to prominence. A 20-goal campaign last time out appears destined to be followed by another in 2021-22, while he is approaching the final 18 months of a contract that is unlikely to be extended. An exit door has been left ajar, it just needs to be forced open.

Who will win the race?

With prolific goal scorers worth their weight in gold, Vlahovic has no shortage of suitors and is set to find himself in the enviable position of being able to dictate his own future. With a flood of offers expected in the new year, a highly-rated performer can cherry-pick whichever he considers to be best. Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City will feel as though they tick plenty of boxes for an ambitious performer.

The trophy cabinet at the Etihad Stadium regularly needs space to be cleared for new additions, and the potential for medal collecting with the Blues holds obvious appeal to Vlahovic.

Pep Guardiola has turned his attention away from Tottenham front man Harry Kane, at least for now, and a new fancy could be asked to lead the line in a squad that remains without an out-and-out No.9. Competition for Vlahovic will be fierce, though, with Arsenal another of those that boast a rich enough history and future potential to turn heads across the continent. The Gunners are also seeing the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah run their respective deals down towards free agency.

Across north London and Spurs are looking to join the mix, with Antonio Conte well aware of what Vlahovic has to offer from his time working with Inter. Any agreement there is unlikely for as long as Kane sticks around, but that picture could shift quickly. Then there is Newcastle, who are feeling flush on the back of a big-money takeover that is allowing them to shop more boutique than bargain bin. The Magpies want a marquee addition to get the recruitment ball rolling at St James’ Park and are preparing to aim high.

Tyneside, Lancashire or London? North or south? Pedigree or potential? Vlahovic has much to mull over heading into 2022, with interest in his decision-making process only set to intensify as he becomes a name on everybody’s lips.