AC Milan Weigh Dusan Vlahovic Swap Deal as Juventus Talks Stall

Milan consider Thiaw for Vlahovic swap deal while keeping striker options open

In what could be one of the most intriguing transfer moves of the Serie A summer, AC Milan are playing the long game in their pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic, as a potential swap deal involving centre-back Malick Thiaw gathers momentum behind the scenes. The Rossoneri are desperate to bolster their forward line ahead of the new season, and while talks with Juventus haven’t exactly caught fire, there’s a sense that a breakthrough is possible — if the price is right and both sides are willing to compromise.

While Vlahovic remains the top name on Milan’s striker shortlist, the move is far from straightforward. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan could try to reduce the financial burden of the transfer by offering Thiaw in exchange — a player who fits a need for Juve, especially if Daniele Rugani departs this summer. The suggestion is that this could help Juventus refresh their backline while cutting their wage bill, something they’re very keen to do.

Vlahovic’s wage demands complicate Milan’s push

Thiaw Milan 2024-2025

Vlahovic’s potential arrival at San Siro has been complicated by more than just transfer fees. The Serbian striker is reportedly earning a post-tax salary of €12 million per year in Turin — an eye-watering figure for Milan, who are trying to maintain a balanced wage structure within the dressing room. At the moment, Rafael Leão is the club’s highest earner at €7 million annually, and Milan are reluctant to create friction by smashing that ceiling.

The Rossoneri have reportedly offered Vlahovic around €6 million per season, plus performance-based bonuses. It’s a decent package by Serie A standards, but still only half of what the striker currently earns. While the player is understood to be attracted by the idea of playing in Milan and reuniting with former coach Massimiliano Allegri, he’s not yet shown a willingness to accept a pay cut — something that could become a major obstacle.

Juventus, for their part, are growing more open to the idea of letting Vlahovic go. The Bianconeri initially slapped a €40 million price tag on the forward but are now believed to be willing to settle for around €25 million. Even so, Milan are wary of committing to such a fee given the other costs involved — most notably the wages.

AC Milan’s swap deal strategy: A win-win for both?

Real Betis Balompie v Chelsea FC – UEFA Conference League Final 2025

This is where the potential swap deal for Malick Thiaw becomes interesting. The young German defender, who has impressed in his time at Milan, is seen as a valuable bargaining chip. Juventus, facing uncertainty around Rugani and with limited defensive cover, are said to be open to receiving a player in return if it means avoiding a costly purchase elsewhere.

For Milan, losing Thiaw wouldn’t be ideal, but it could be a price worth paying if it helps land a long-term solution in the No. 9 role. The 24-year-old Vlahovic, despite an up-and-down stint in Turin, is still viewed as one of Europe’s most promising strikers — particularly if placed in the right system and surrounded by creative talent like Leão, Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders.

Milan remain patient — but alternatives are lined up

That said, Milan aren’t putting all their eggs in the Vlahovic basket. Club directors are very aware that the deal could fall through, whether due to salary demands or Juventus dragging their feet. According to Fabrizio Romano, Milan have already begun exploring alternatives, including Breel Embolo of Monaco, who is available for around €15 million.

The Swiss international would be a more affordable option and wouldn’t come with the same wage expectations as Vlahovic. While not as flashy a signing, Embolo brings physicality, experience, and a decent scoring record — traits that could complement Milan’s attack well.

In the Premier League, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta have also been linked. Both would be difficult to land at a bargain price, but Milan are exploring whether a loan with an option to buy could be arranged in either case. There’s also some noise around Victor Boniface, the powerhouse striker from Bayer Leverkusen, who is reportedly admired by head coach Paulo Fonseca.

Allegri’s interest fuels Vlahovic return rumours

While Allegri is now at Milan and not Juventus, it’s worth noting that he was a big admirer of Vlahovic during his time in Turin. His new project at San Siro centres around making Milan more dangerous in front of goal — and Vlahovic could be the key piece to unlock that. The 2021-22 season, where Vlahovic bagged 24 league goals across Fiorentina and Juventus, still looms large in the minds of scouts and managers alike. The talent is unquestionable; it’s about unlocking it again in the right environment.

A deal hanging in the balance

Ultimately, this saga is one that could drag into the final weeks of the window. Milan want Vlahovic. Juventus want to sell — but on their terms. The player is interested, but not if it means halving his income. And that’s where the drama lies.

Milan have played this kind of long game before. They lured Olivier Giroud from Chelsea under the radar and turned him into a title-winning talisman. They signed Mike Maignan to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma and didn’t skip a beat. They know how to build strategically — and patiently.

This summer, they might need to do the same. If Vlahovic ends up in red and black, it will be the result of careful negotiation and compromise — potentially sweetened by a swap deal that suits all parties.

But if it doesn’t happen, Milan won’t be caught short. With plenty of options on the table, the Rossoneri are quietly building something — and one way or another, their new striker will be arriving soon.