'Sport' newspaper confirmed that Barcelona currently leads the race to sign Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović, whose contract with Juventus expires next June, surpassing prominent competitors such as Bayern Munich and Milan.

According to the newspaper, Vlahović's name has strongly returned to the forefront of the transfer market, while the player continues to recover from a serious left groin injury, for which he underwent surgery in London in late November. Estimates suggest he could return to the field between the end of March and early April.

The newspaper explained that the Serbian striker's contract allows him, starting from February 2 and after the winter transfer window closes, to sign with any club as a free agent. Despite the player's desire to wait until the end of the season, Barcelona has already moved and made several contacts with his circle, considering him a suitable option to strengthen the attacking line in the future, given the advancing age of Robert Lewandowski, who will turn 38 next summer.

The newspaper added that the Catalan club is confident it can complete the deal without paying a transfer fee, while maintaining a salary close to what the player currently earns with Juventus, estimated at around 12 million euros annually, despite the injury he is going through.

Despite interest from other clubs, most notably Bayern Munich and Milan, the newspaper indicated that Barcelona's influence gives the club a clear advantage in the race, given Vlahović's ambition to play for a global club and compete in La Liga, with his future expected to be decided definitively as June approaches.