Newcastle United’s search for a striker has become the dominant theme of their summer transfer window.

The uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak has left the club scrambling for solutions at a time when Eddie Howe is desperate for stability.

Despite playing well in their Premier League opener against Aston Villa, Newcastle looked blunt without a proper No. 9, failing to make their dominance count in a 0-0 draw.

Isak’s public fallout with the club has only heightened the urgency. The Swede has made it clear he has no intention of reintegrating into Howe’s squad, regardless of whether a transfer materialises.

His absence has destabilised the attack, leaving Newcastle with plenty of industry in wide areas but little cutting edge through the middle.

Newcastle handed striker opportunity

Liverpool’s approach appears to have unsettled Isak beyond repair, and his Instagram statement about broken promises suggested a player who sees his future away from St James’ Park.

But Newcastle will not sanction his departure without first securing a replacement.

Two bids for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa have already been rejected. Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen and Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth remain on the list, but neither is straightforward to acquire.

With time slipping away, Newcastle’s options are narrowing – and Juventus have offered them a striker who could transform their frontline.

According to Sport Witness, Juventus are actively encouraging Newcastle to make a late move for Dusan Vlahović.

The Italian giants are under financial strain, with the Serbian forward’s €12m-per-year wages proving prohibitive as they attempt to reshape their squad.

To balance the books, they have put him on the market for €38m (£35m) - a fraction of the €85m (£80m) valuation he once commanded at his peak in 2022.

Vlahović, however, is not pushing for a move.

Although he has muted aspirations to play in the Premier League one day, Newcastle would have to convince him that now is the right moment. Their Champions League qualification could help, as could the prospect of leading the line in front of St James’ Park’s raucous atmosphere.

For Howe, who has watched his team create chances without anyone to finish them, Vlahović represents the kind of focal point Newcastle have been crying out for.

How Vlahović could link with Gordon and Elanga

The appeal of signing Vlahović lies not just in his ability but also in the potential partnerships he could form with Newcastle’s wide players.

This summer has already seen the arrival of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, joining Anthony Gordon in giving Howe two explosive options on either flank.

Elanga is particularly strong as a supplier.

Last season he recorded 11 assists, ranking in the 94th percentile for assists per 90 according to FBref.

His delivery was equally impressive, with 6.66 crosses per 90 (94th percentile) and 3.09 corners per 90 (93rd percentile).

With a striker like Vlahović attacking those deliveries, Newcastle would finally have a clinical finisher to match the service from wide.

On the opposite flank, Gordon offers direct running and intelligent distribution into dangerous areas.

According to FBref, he ranked in the 85th percentile compared to positionally similar players for passes into the penalty area per 90 (2.03) and in the 83rd percentile for crosses per 90 (4.84).

His ability to cut inside and release balls into the channel would dovetail neatly with Vlahović’s movement across the front line, whether the Serbian drops deep to hold up play or runs in behind.

Vlahovic himself could offer the presence and decisiveness Newcastle lacked against Villa.

Standing at 1.90m, he combines physical dominance with intelligent movement and a sharp instinct for goal.

Described as a “monster” by Carlo Garganese and as a "better and more complete forward than Haaland" by Serbian FA president Nenad Bjekovic, he scored ten times in Serie A last season, adding four assists, as Juventus secured a top-four finish and returned to the Champions League.

He also netted twice in three games at the Club World Cup, underlining his pedigree on the biggest stages.

The tactical balance looks promising. Vlahović thrives when supported by high-volume chance creators, and Newcastle’s wingers fit that mould.

His aerial ability also provides the Magpies with a set-piece weapon, an area where Howe has been keen to maximise output.

Elanga’s and Gordon’s consistent delivery could therefore add another layer to Newcastle’s attacking threat.

Yet there remain hurdles. Newcastle’s recruitment strategy has been cautious since their initial Saudi-backed spending surge, and the wages involved in a deal for Vlahović could test the limits of Financial Fair Play.

Juventus’ willingness to sell does not automatically mean Newcastle can afford to buy, especially after significant outlays already this summer on Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale.

Still, the logic is clear.

Newcastle cannot allow the Isak saga to derail their season, and they need a proven striker to lead their Champions League campaign.

Vlahović, with his blend of power, finishing, and top-level experience, ticks every box on paper.

Whether Newcastle can persuade him to swap Turin for Tyneside, though, will decide if this move is remembered as an opportunity seized – or one that slipped away.