Aston Villa are reportedly prepared to challenge Arsenal in the race to land Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.
Aston Villa have emerged as serious contenders in the pursuit of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, joining Arsenal in what could become an intense transfer battle this summer. The Serbian international is increasingly likely to leave the Serie A giants, and with contract extension talks at a standstill, multiple clubs are closely monitoring his situation.
Vlahovic’s current deal with Juventus runs until 2026, but negotiations over an extension have hit a stumbling block, particularly due to the club’s desire to reduce his wages from the £215,000 per week he currently earns. With the 25-year-old unwilling to accept lower terms, Juventus could be forced to part ways with their star forward when the summer transfer window opens.
Arsenal have long been admirers of Vlahovic, having considered a move in January before ultimately deciding against it. However, sources suggest he remains one of Mikel Arteta’s preferred striker targets, alongside RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. The Gunners are expected to reassess their attacking options ahead of next season, with Vlahovic still firmly on their radar.
Aston Villa’s ambitions made clear
In a significant development, Aston Villa have now thrown their name into the mix as they seek a new No. 9 to reinforce their squad. Following the sale of Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for approximately £65 million, Unai Emery is keen to secure a reliable striker to support Ollie Watkins and maintain the club’s upward trajectory.
Although Aston Villa secured Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United with an option to buy for £40 million, Emery has predominantly deployed him on the left wing. This leaves a clear need for a traditional centre-forward, making Vlahovic an attractive option.
While Villa have yet to submit an official inquiry, their interest in the Serbian striker is described as “concrete”, and the club is actively evaluating the possibility of making a move. The allure of European football, potentially even UEFA Champions League action, could give Villa a strong bargaining chip in negotiations.
According to TEAMtalk, Vlahovic’s representatives have reportedly been offering his services to several top European clubs, including Newcastle United, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, and Marseille. However, none of these clubs have shown a strong inclination to move for him at this stage, leaving the door open for Aston Villa and Arsenal to battle it out.
Is Dusan Vlahovic ready for the Premier League?
With a reported price tag of around £50 million, Vlahovic represents a potentially valuable acquisition for either Arsenal or Aston Villa. The Serb has an impressive record at Juventus, netting 55 goals in 133 appearances, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level in one of Europe’s top leagues.
The Serbian striker’s physical presence, clinical finishing, and ability to link up play make him well-suited for the Premier League. Arsenal could see him as the missing piece in their attacking lineup, while Villa’s interest signals their ambition to compete at the highest level.
The prospect of Vlahovic moving to the Premier League is an exciting one, but the key question remains — who has the advantage in this race? Arsenal’s long-standing interest, coupled with their established status as a title challenger, makes them a strong contender.
However, Aston Villa’s rise under Emery and their potential UEFA Champions League qualification could make them an equally appealing destination. If Villa can secure a top-four finish, they may have a genuine chance to pull off one of the biggest coups of the summer.
