Police open investigation after Vlahovic receives threats over transfer rumours

Italian police have launched an investigation into insulting and threatening banners aimed towards Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

A number of banners appeared outside Fiorentina's Artemio Franchi stadium following reports that the club's top scorer has 'agreed' a £56m move to bitter rivals Juventus.

Football Italia have also reported that police are patrolling the 21-year-old's house.

One banner outside the stadium read: 'Your guards won't save your life gypsy. It's over for you.'

Another called him a 'modern mercenary' while others included obscene insults aimed towards the top scorer in Serie A.

Italian police are working on the case and carrying out thorough investigations to try and find the culprits of the banners.

The Digos has also implemented all possible preventative measures to avoid the repetition of similar episodes.

Vlahovic joined Fiorentina in July 2018 from Partizan Belgrade and has developed into one of Europe's most sought-after young stars.

He has also been linked with a move to a host of Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Tottenham.

Vlahovic was named Best Young Player in Serie A last season after scoring 21 goals, and is level with Lazio's Ciro Immobile at the top of the league scoring charts this season with 17.

The Florence club announced in October that Vlahovic had turned down their offers of an extension to his deal that ran to June 2023.

Fiorentina have a long-standing rivalry with Juventus and a history of letting their best players go to the Bianconeri.

In 1990, Roberto Baggio joined Juventus which led to angry protests in the streets.

More recently, Euro 2020 winning star Federico Chiesa moved on loan with the obligation to join on a permanent deal.