Ranking the 5 clubs Dusan Vlahovic could join in 2022

Dusan Vlahovic in action during a Serie A game for Fiorentina.

Dusan Vlahovic has been one of the revelations last year. The 21-year-old Fiorentina striker set Serie A alight with his clinical and prolific goalscoring, going toe to toe with some of the big-name players.

The Serb scored 21 goals in 37 Serie A appearances last season. He finished fourth in the Capocannoniere (Serie A Golden Boot) standings, behind Cristiano Ronaldo (29), Romelu Lukaku (24) and Luis Muriel (22). He is currently leading this year's race with 17 goals.

Last year, Vlahovic equalled Ronaldo's record for most goals (33) in Serie A in a calendar year. His exploits caught the attention of many top clubs across Europe.

Dusan Vlahovic matched Cristiano Ronaldo's record. Most Serie A goals in a calendar year since 1960. 33 goals. ⭐️🇷🇸 #Vlahovic

Fiorentina CEO Barone confirms: "Dusan and his agent have turned down our new contract proposal. We offered the best salary in Fiorentina history". https://t.co/aCF0DcOaNP

With the January transfer window now open, several clubs are hovering around the young Serb and his agent. Fiorentina are keen for the player to stay till the summer, but they are also prepared for his exit, as he's not too keen on signing an extension. They need him to make a decision quickly so that they can carry on with their plans for the remainder of the season.

One key thing to note is that his agent, Darko Ristic, is playing hardball with all negotiating parties. Any club wanting to secure Vlahovic's long-term services will have to stump up a hefty commission for his agent.

On that note, here's a look at the five likely destinations for Dusan Vlahovic if he opts to move from Fiorentina:

#5 Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel has done well in his first year in charge of Chelsea.

Since Thomas Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard in January last year, Chelsea have been one of the strongest club teams in Europe. They won the UEFA Champions League last season under the German's tutelage.

The Blues looked to have carried that form into the 2021-22 Premier League season, making a blistering start to their campaign. In their first 12 games, they won nine, drew two and lost just once. In the ten games since then, though, Chelsea have drawn five, lost two, and won just three. A lot of that has to do with injuries to key players - Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

However, a lack of form and a plethora of controversy have plagued Chelsea's other attacking options. That has resulted in a dip in goalscoring form.

Dusan Vlahovic could be the missing piece in the puzzle for Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea team. His consistency could help the Blues push for the title and challenge for European honours. Considering he's left-footed, he would fit into a system that has accommodated a left-footer in Romelu Lukaku, should the Belgian leave following his controversial interview.

Vlahovic's astronomical fee and his agent's demands might not be an issue for the cash-rich Blues. Backed by billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, the club might dive in to get their player should the opportunity and need arise.

#4 Manchester City

Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest managers of all time.

Three things are certain in life - death, taxes and Pep Guardiola spending big in the transfer market to build his team. Backed by their ultra-rich owner Sheikh Mansour, Manchester City have been a juggernaut in the transfer market in the last decade or so.

However, one position they have not found a solution for is striker. Legendary striker Sergio Aguero departed the club in 2021 on a free transfer to Barcelona. He left as City's all-time top scorer with 260 goals, and the club has failed to adequately replace him.

Sergio Aguero had insane stats for Manchester City 👑 https://t.co/ubiEDgm4Py

His deputy, Gabriel Jesus, still does not seem convincing enough to lead the line for a title contender. Although the team don't really struggle to score goals, they find it difficult to push bigger teams onto the back foot and dominate. None of their current players can engage opposition defenders and bring their teammates into play like a true centre-forward.

Dusan Vlahovic has excelled in this aspect in the past year or so. He can create chances for himself and convert them. He can also combine well with his teammates, and hold the ball up to bring them into the game. With City's quality in central and wide midfield, the Serb, with his hold-up play, could be a good fit.

That, combined with his ability to score 20 odd goals per season, would make them even stronger title contenders than they already are. Money isn't an issue for City either, so they can splash the cash for Vlahovic. However, it looks likely they might see out this season out, and make a move in the summer.