Fiorentina director Joe Barone has denied that Dusan Vlahovic could sign a contract extension with Fiorentina, so the tug of war between the striker and La Viola continues, but the 21-year-old is unlikely to leave in January.
Vlahovic became the second most prolific striker in Europe’s top five leagues in 2021 and is monitored by the best clubs in Europe.
His contract at the Stadio Artemio Franchi ends in June 2023, but Fiorentina’s attempts to extend his deal were vain.
President Rocco Commisso revealed in October that Vlahovic had rejected a contract extension offer from the club, which would see him become the highest earner in the club’s history with a salary of €4m-a-year.
The continuing rumours about his future have not affected Vlahovic’s performances as the Serbia international is the Serie A leading scorer with 16 goals in 20 appearances.
In an interview with Politika.rs this week, the striker refused to rule out a contract extension with the club.
Vlahovic breaks silence over Fiorentina future amid Juve and Tottenham links
“Never say never. But at the moment I am focused on new victories,” he said.
He also praised Fiorentina President Commisso: “He is, above all, a serious man and a great president, who knows what he wants at all times. He is very ambitious.
“Obviously I have nothing against his will, because it’s all part of the job. I never back down, it’s not in my character. I strive for the highest standards in everything.”
His claims seemed to suggest that problems between him and the club had been left behind, but Joe Barone explained the situation from the club’s perspective during Jonathan Ikone’s unveiling press conference today.
“During the most recent meeting with President Rocco Commisso, Vlahovic’s agent almost doubled his demands, showing a total lack of respect for the club and the President,” Barone revealed.
“Vlahovic’s interview was not authorised, a bit like Romelu Lukaku’s one at Chelsea,” he continued.
“There has been no opening of any doors or different scenarios over the last few weeks, at least as far as we’ve heard from his agent.”
So, what will happen now?
Fiorentina rejected a €60m bid from Atletico Madrid in the summer and their asking price is €70-80m.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal have placed a €55m bid plus Lucas Torreira. Fiorentina are considering the offer, but Football Italia understands Vlahovic is unwilling to move to the Emirates Stadium.
To date, Arsenal are the only club to have placed a formal bid to sign Vlahovic, but the striker is determined to stay in Florence until the end of the season and decide his future in the summer.
“Only God knows what will happen in the next period,” the striker added in his latest interview.
“My desire is to take Fiorentina to Europe because we haven’t been in Europe for a long time. We’ll see.”