Arsenal are front runners in the chase for Dusan Vlahovic as his situation at Juventus worsens with problems at the club.
According to Calcio Mercato, Arsenal are reportedly leading the chase for Dusan Vlahovic, as his situation with Juventus is indifferent to current circumstances. The problems at club level, coupled with his engagement in the team, have likely put him on the transfer list as the Turin giants could look to cash in January.
Dusan Vlahovic returns to Turin in a few days following a disappointing World Cup campaign. The striker had injury troubles going into Qatar and played only 66 minutes of action, scoring once. Serbia lost to bitter rivals Switzerland in their group-stage game and crashed out of the tournament altogether.
Vlahovic had featured in the news due to some off-field rumours involving his private life. While he has refuted multiple claims made in the media, he will return to Juventus under different circumstances. The Turin giants are reportedly open to selling the 22-year-old Serie A striker, with Arsenal leading the race.
Arsenal were heavily linked with Vlahovic last January when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club after cancelling his contract. The Gunners tried their best to get the Serbian, who Mikel Arteta identified as the ideal striker for Arsenal’s needs.
After much deliberation and controversies caused by his agent, Vlahovic decided to sign for Juventus and remain in Serie A. The move paid dividends initially, but his form has dwindled since the current campaign began. Juventus won plenty of games in recent weeks without him, which may have led them to take a critical decision.
Juventus are also under investigation for financial wrongdoings and may need funds to balance its situation. Hence, the report insists, the club could look to sell a few of their big-name players in the upcoming windows. One of them is Vlahovic.
With their current situation, Arsenal could consider making a move for Vlahovic. Gabriel Jesus’ injury at the World Cup had made them re-think their plans for January. They did not envisage signing a new striker in the next window, but the Brazilian’s prolonged absence could affect their title chances.
The Gunners are reportedly in the market for a new forward. Vlahovic is a choice accepted by Mikel Arteta last January and could remain interested in the striker. Arsenal are reportedly managing a decent budget of £50 million, and the Serbian is likely to cost more than that.
Additionally, Arsenal wanted to sign at least two new players, including a winger and midfielder, as Vlahovic or any other striker would be over and above those requirements.
For now, the report is merely a rumour and should get cautious treatment. Vlahovic’s availability should ideally light up Arsenal’s interest, and if the news is accurate, the Gunners might end up attempting to sign him again.
Vlahovic won’t join Arsenal.
He knows Xhaka will be waiting.