West Ham’s Nikola Vlasic has emerged as a top target for Torino following the departures of Josip Brekalo and Marko Pjaca: here’s why the Granata need to sign him.
Torino boss Ivan Juric is an admirer of Vlasic, who wants to get regular playing time next season after failing to justify his €30m price tag in his first season with the Hammers.
However, his €4m-a-year salary is unaffordable for the Granata, who want to get the 24-year-old on loan with part of his salary paid by West Ham.
Juric plays with a 3-4-2-1 line-up and attacking midfielders have a crucial role in his tactical system.
Brekalo and Pjaca were among his options in 2021-22, but the club has not made their loan moves permanent.
Brekalo has refused to remain at Torino despite the club’s desire to sign him. The 23-year-old has returned to Wolfsburg after scoring seven goals in 32 Serie A appearances in 2021-22.
At the same time, his compatriot Pjaca, 27, has returned to Juventus. He managed three goals in 24 league games last term. Contrary to Brekalo, he wasn’t a regular starter but was often introduced as a substitute.
Juric is now targeting another Croatia international, hoping to add quality unpredictability in Torino’s final third. The Granata will need at least two new attacking midfielders and a new centre forward, given that Andrea Belotti is expected to leave at the end of his contract at the end of the month.
Torino remain in talks with Leicester City for Dennis Praet. The Belgium international joined the Stadio Grande Torino on loan with an option to buy last year, but the Granata are now negotiating a lower transfer fee. His agent confirmed last week that talks between the two clubs are still ongoing.