Fiorentina CEO Joe Barone said Dusan Vlahovic is an ‘important player’ and hopes to ‘reach an agreement with him as soon as possible’.
The 21-year-old Serbian has a deal with the Viola until June 2023 but has been linked with a move away from the Artemio Franchi this summer.
Vlahovic was the first player born in 2000 who started a match for Fiorentina in 2018 and has since established himself as a valuable member of the squad in Florence.
The Serbia international scored 21 goals in 37 games last term, adding to a modest six goals in the 2019-20 season.
His performances has given him attention from giants in Italy and abroad, but Barone wants to sign a new deal to tie the youngster to the club.
“Vlahovic is a Fiorentina player, a very important player,” Barone told TGR Rai Toscana. “We are continuing to communicate every day and we obviously hope to reach an agreement with him as soon as possible.
Vlahovic scored seven goals in Fiorentina’s 11-0 win over Polisportiva C4 Foligno yesterday and Barone is pleased with coach Vincenzo Italiano’s start at the helm.
“We are aware that we are starting from scratch,” Barone added. “We have a new coach in [Vincenzo] Italiano, a new system.
“We are all based on results, we have to do well. It was an important signal for everyone, even for the staff. We play for the people of Viola.”