As Arsenal put their plans together for the summer transfer window, there are a few changes in the footballing world that could have a huge impact on the side.
The Gunners head into the summer market knowing that Andrea Berta will be the main man in charge of proceedings, with an announcement expected on his arrival as the new sporting director in the weeks ahead.
There is plenty on his remit as soon as he steps through the door at the Emirates Stadium, not least when it comes to strikers.
Arsenal have been short of a clinical centre-forward for a while, even with the quality options currently at Mikel Arteta’s disposal.
As it stands, Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko are the top targets to fill that position, but there are others being assessed too.
Among those is long-term Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic, who could face a real shake-up heading into the summer.
Thiago Motta sacking at Juventus could change Dusan Vlahovic transfer chance
Dusan Vlahovic has long been linked with a transfer to Arsenal, with the interest spanning back to his Fiorentina days.
While he may not be a top target, Arsenal are still tracking Vlahovic as a potential striker option for the months ahead.
The Serbian international enters the final year of his contract with Juventus this summer, leading to a stand-off surrounding an extension or an exit.
It all seemed to point towards an exit, given his difficulties under Thiago Motta, but that may all change now.
That’s because Juventus have sacked the manager, looking for a change of direction after a difficult campaign.
With Igor Tudor taking his place, an upturn in form and a return to playing Vlahovic could change his future.
If that does, then an extended contract could deny Arsenal a chance at landing the striker, many years after Mikel Arteta started following the star.
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Thiago Motta’s difficulties with Dusan Vlahovic
In less than one season together, it appeared difficult for Motta and Vlahovic to work on the system the manager had brought to Bologna with.
The Juventus manager implemented a new playing style, and while the striker had started much of the opening stages of the season, the latter half has come with its difficulties.
In the last nine Serie A matches, Vlahovic made just one start with two goals to his name in that time frame.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 34 | 14 | 2 |
Motta had insisted that he worked well with the striker, stating: “We have an extraordinary relationship. He has a strong character and mentality.
“Today, he showed great professionalism and helped his teammates. It’s easy to manage a champion like him.”
But in reality, the dwindling minutes may have only pushed him further towards a possible exit, though that may all change now.
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