Juventus are on the verge of a completing a €75million deal for Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbian striker has become one of the most coveted players in Europe, with four seasons at Fiorentina seeing him rack up 52 goals in 135 appearances.
Arsenal were believed to be particularly keen on the 21-year old, but have been out-muscled by the Old Lady of Turin.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Vlahovic needs only to complete a medical before officially being confirmed as a Juventus player. He will earn a net salary of €7million per year at Juve, or €134,000 per week.
Vlahovic's agent, Darko Ristic, was in Turin on Thursday to finalise the minutiae of the deal.
With echos of Roberto Baggio's move from Fiorentina to Juventus 32-years ago, the impending transfer has not gone down well in Florence.
La Viola's ultras hung banners threatening death upon Vlahovic, should the transfer go through. Slogans like “gypsy shit” and say “guards won't save your gypsy life” were displayed on the offending banners.
Political heavyweights have also added their tuppence worth, with former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi saying, "This is like a day of mourning in Florence.
"I was 15 years old when Roberto Baggio was sold to Juventus and I was part of the protest in Piazza Savonarola.
“I’m absolutely furious. Why do Fiorentina always have to sell everyone to Juventus? At least send some to different clubs.”
Current Florence Mayor, Dario Nardella added, "As a fan, I cannot deny it’s disappointing to see our best player leave midway through the season, especially to join a team who are our direct rivals for position in the Serie A table.
“In general, it is yet more proof that modern football is getting further away from its fans and sense of authenticity, run by figures who have far too much power.
“The romantic idea of a symbolic player is long gone, but there are still certain values and passion within the Viola fanbase, which unfortunately get trampled on and humiliated by situations like this.”
A four-and-a-half year contract awaits the striker at Juventus, with €67million being paid up front and a further €8million to potentially follow in add-ons.
All going to plan, Vlahovic should complete his medical on Saturday.
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